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A depraved sex offender injected a child with drugs during a horrific campaign of abuse during which he raped her multiple times, a court has been told. Lee Balchin, 55, from Kent, who was jailed for 15 years at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, also forced his young victim to consume cannabis, suspected ecstasy tablets and alcohol, the sentencing hearing was told.

Balchin repeatedly preyed on the child between 2000 and 2004. He carried out the abuse in several locations, which included 'hideouts' in remote places. The offences were initially reported to Kent Police in 2018 at which point Balchin was arrested. An investigation revealed he regularly plied the child with drugs, which included injecting her with amphetamine. The substances and alcohol would sometimes render his helpless victim almost unconscious.

Balchin, of Carnation Close, East Malling was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.

A lengthy court process led to a trial in August 2025 at which point he was convicted of two charges of rape and two further counts of indecent assault.

Balchin must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can be considered for parole.

Detective Constable Lisa Roots said: "Balchin is an extremely dangerous individual who subjected his young victim to a truly harrowing catalogue of appalling and terrifying abuse.

"It is certainly rare to encounter a case where an offender has demonstrated levels of such callous depravity.

"He took her to isolated areas where he knew he wouldn't be disturbed and also made threats to kill her.

"The impact of Balchin's offending is incalculable, and yet the victim has summoned such tremendous courage to come forward.

"Their strength has been instrumental in helping us bring him to justice and I do hope this sentence will provide some comfort."