DUNCAN WATERHOUSE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN KESWICK FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant legal development, Duncan Waterhouse, a 45-year-old man from Keswick, has seen his prison sentence extended from eight to twelve years following an appeal by crown prosecutors. The case, which garnered considerable attention, involved a series of disturbing child sex offences committed by Waterhouse, who was convicted in April after admitting to a total of 20 separate charges against four young victims.

Initially, Waterhouse was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court to eight years in prison, a term that was later deemed insufficient by the Court of Appeal in London. The appellate judges, after reviewing the case, agreed that the original sentence did not adequately reflect the severity of his crimes. As a result, they imposed a new, harsher sentence, which includes twelve years of imprisonment, followed by an additional five years on licence once he is released. This extended period on licence is designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release, ensuring public safety.

Waterhouse’s residence at the time, Coleridge Court in Keswick, was noted during the proceedings. The judges’ decision was supported by law enforcement officials and victim advocates alike. Detective Constable Paul Scougal, who investigated the case, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing Waterhouse’s dangerous and predatory nature. He described Waterhouse as a “warped man with warped views,” and highlighted the profound damage inflicted upon his four young victims. The victims’ families also welcomed the increased sentence, viewing it as a necessary step towards justice.

Furthermore, a spokesperson from the Attorney General’s Office commented that the original sentence failed to adequately account for the significant impact of Waterhouse’s actions on his victims and their families. As part of his sentence, Waterhouse was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for an indefinite period. These measures are intended to prevent any further offending and to restrict his contact with vulnerable individuals.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Isla Chilton, speaking after the sentencing, underscored the lasting harm caused by sexual abuse. She stated, “The sexual abuse of young people strips away their innocence and their trust in adults who they should be able to look up to as future role models. It has long-lasting impacts on their lives, not only at the time but well into their adult lives and could have significant effects on all their future relationships.” Chilton also praised the bravery of the victims, noting that their willingness to come forward and confront their abuser led to Waterhouse’s guilty plea.

Looking back to April 2016, Waterhouse’s crimes were described as utterly perverse and deeply damaging. During that hearing, he was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to 20 offences committed over a period of just over six years, up to February 2016. His offences involved four children and included sexual activity with a child and making a child watch sexual acts. The court heard that his actions had a “profound and significant” impact on his victims, with one victim’s future described as “shattered,” and another left as a mere “shell” of the person they once were.

Judge Peter Davies, presiding over the case, condemned Waterhouse’s conduct, stating, “It was corrupt, and the corruptness was yours.” The court also imposed a five-year extended licence period and mandated that Waterhouse register as a sex offender indefinitely. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a strict Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from working with children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society.