A Canterbury sex offender from has been sentenced at Margate Magistrates’ Court following the discovery of thousands of indecent images of children during a visit by Kent Police.
An investigation began in July 2024 when Richard Mumford, who was visited by Police officers who regularly conducted checks on the 40 year old who was on the Sex Offenders Register. During the visit to his address, indecent images of children were found across multiple electronic devices. Evidence was also found to suggest that he had attempted to delete his internet history.
Mumford was charged with 16 offences which included the making and possession of indecent images of children, and possession of bladed weapons after two swords were recovered during a search which led to him appearing at Margate Magistrates’ Court on 4 September 2025, where he entered a guilty plea for all charges. On Wednesday 18 March 2026 at Canterbury Crown Court, Mumford, was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Police report that in total, 7,193 indecent and prohibited images of children were graded and confirmed by officers. Some of the images found on his devices included victims as young as three years old, with 1,350 images being classified at the most serious category.
Detective Sergeant Heidi Collins said:
‘Mumford’s actions were not only criminal but deeply disturbing. The staggering volume of indecent material uncovered reflects a sustained and deliberate exploitation of children.
‘Thanks to the tireless work of our investigators, he will spend time behind bars, where he can no longer prey on the most vulnerable in society. Kent Police will relentlessly pursue those who commit such appalling offences, and we will do everything in our power to protect children from harm.’