Former Margate Sundowners club owner has been jailed for 28 years for sexual offences, including rape and indecent assault, against children following two trials at Canterbury Crown Court.
Duncan Bayles, who is also a former children’s home worker, was found guilty in 2024 of 12 indecent assault charges against children aged below 14 years; six indecency with a child charges and one charge of attempted rape. The offences took place in the 1980s and 1990s against four boys, then aged under 13, at two children’s homes in Ramsgate and Deal.
Mr Bayles, aged 65, previously of Northdown Road, was then found guilty on January 15 this year of four charges of rape, 12 charges of indecent assault and one charge of indecency against a child, relating to the period from 30 July 1982 – 1 July 1987.
He was sentenced for all the offences at Canterbury Crown Court today (February 6).
Investigation
Kent Police launched a specialist investigation in June 2019 after a man came forward to report how Bayles had abused him on several occasions when he was a boy.
Extensive enquiries were completed and complex evidence was obtained. It was established that a further three men had also been preyed upon while they were children.
The young victims were sexually assaulted, manipulated, bribed with gifts in return for carrying out sexual acts and groomed to believe that Bayles’ behaviour was normal.
Bayles was arrested on 18 August 2020 and was later charged with 19 offences in relation to the reports, including gross indecency, indecent assault and attempted rape.
Having denied the offences, Bayles was found guilty of all charges on 24 October 2024, following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
Further victim
The court case relating to the young male victims led to a woman approaching Kent Police to report that the offender had also abused her as a child.
He threatened to harm the girl’s pets if she told anyone about him and made her think that she would not be believed if she reported his depravity.
Detectives launched a separate investigation, which resulted in Bayles facing an additional 17 charges including four counts of child rape.
Bayles again pleaded not guilty. A further trial took place at Canterbury Crown Court, resulting in his conviction on all counts in a unanimous jury verdict on 15 January 2026.
On 6 February 2026, at the same court, Bayles was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He will spend a further two years on licence at the end of the custodial period and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
‘Predatory offender’
Detective Constable Pete Edwards said: “This was a complex case and all of Bayles’ victims should be praised for their courage in coming forward, and for remaining steadfast throughout the process of bringing this predatory offender to justice.
“It is never too late to report a crime and Kent Police remains committed to supporting survivors of abuse, listening to them and pursuing offenders no matter how much time has passed.
“We recognise the impact that these horrific crimes have had on Bayles’ victims, and hope they will find some closure, knowing that this dangerous criminal is now behind bars.
“The restrictions to which he must adhere at the end of his long custodial period, which will remain in place for the rest of his life, will further protect against him reoffending and safeguard future potential victims.”
Solicitors Bolt Burdon Kemp act for one of the victims who is pursuing a civil claim for compensation.
A spokesperson from the firm said: “Our client was very vulnerable and had been placed in the Deal children’s home by social services. There he was sexually abused by Bayles.
“The damage suffered by our client has been life-changing and permanent. He has striven to obtain accountability having been let down in the worst possible way.
“Seeing Bayles convicted and sentenced is just part of that journey to obtain justice and accountability. Our client is now seeking answers as to how it was he found himself far away from home in Deal and sexually abused by Bayles.
“We are hoping that those with information about Bayles working at the Deal children’s home will come forward and speak to us so that we can gather enough evidence to support our client’s case.
“If you, or someone you know, has any information that may assist, please contact Alan Collins directly by email at [email protected] or by mobile on 07912 248 694. This can be done anonymously if preferred.”
