DAVID KEEN AND JOHN CHURCHLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BOGNOR REGIS AND MAESTEG

In a landmark case that has shaken the communities of Bognor Regis and Maesteg, two men have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in heinous child sex offences, marking one of the most complex investigations into such crimes in Sussex history.

David Keen, aged 29, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with the court also imposing an indeterminate license period for life. Police described Keen as a 'predatory sex offender' who engaged in the sexual abuse of young boys over an extended period. Keen pleaded guilty to a total of 28 charges, which included possession, creation, and distribution of indecent images of children, as well as engaging in sexual activities with minors under the age of 16. It was revealed that Keen possessed more than 5,000 indecent images, highlighting the extent of his criminal activities.

Alongside Keen, John Churchley, a 59-year-old resident of Littlehampton, received an eight-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing over 42,000 indecent images of children. Both men are now registered sex offenders for life, a designation that underscores the severity of their crimes and the ongoing threat they pose to the community.

Detective Inspector Jeff Riley, of the Major Crime Branch who led the investigation, provided insight into the case, stating, “David Keen and John Churchley are predatory sex offenders. Keen, in particular, formed relationships with boys from a very early age. He was very sophisticated in his grooming process. He would begin looking after neighbours’ children, often babysitting them from when they were as young as eight. His grooming would often begin at this early age, and as the boys grew to trust him more, his levels of offending would increase.”

A mother of one of Keen’s victims, now aged 16, expressed her anguish, saying, “Words cannot express the devastating effect of what Keen and Churchley did to my son and the other boys. Our family is a close-knit, loving one, and we have learned the hard way that paedophiles are not just the dirty old men in grubby raincoats but ordinary-looking men who walk among us. This doesn’t just happen to other people in other communities but those in ones where you feel safe and secure. No sentence will ever match the lifelong suffering my son and our family will endure. My son’s innocence was stolen.”

The investigation into Keen’s activities was initiated after he met Churchley through an online dating platform. Within weeks of their meeting, Keen reportedly offered to supply boys to Churchley for a fee. This connection was uncovered as part of Operation Algebra, a police initiative targeting suspected child sex offenders. The investigation ultimately led to Keen’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

Authorities from Sussex Police believe there may be additional victims of Keen’s abuse within the Bognor Regis area. They urge anyone who has been affected or has information related to these crimes to seek help. Victims are encouraged to speak with trusted individuals such as parents, teachers, or medical professionals, or to contact Childline at 0800 11 11 for confidential support and guidance.