IVAN KEELING SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRL
Paedophile Ivan Keeling has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing a young girl.The 71-year-old groomed his victim over an eight-year period, subjecting her to a sustained 'campaign of abuse.' Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Keeling, of Hammersley Hayes Road, Cheadle, enticed his young victim with money, cigarettes, alcohol, and chocolates before sexually assaulting and raping her.
The victim has been left psychologically traumatized by the abuse.
Keeling denied charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, rape of a child under 13, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.
However, he was found guilty of all charges after a trial this week.
Elizabeth Power, representing the defendant, said: "It is difficult to find words to mitigate for such offences which he has now been convicted of.
The jury accepted what the complainant said.
On her evidence, it was a sustained and prolonged series of offences over some time." The judge addressed Keeling directly, stating: "You have been convicted of a catalogue of the most serious sexual offences against a child.
There is no doubt whatsoever, having heard the evidence, that you began a campaign of sexual abuse against her.
Your behaviour was, quite frankly, appalling." She added, "You provided her with items she wanted—confectionery, cigarettes, alcohol, and money.
But all at a price—that you satisfied your sexual predilections over many years.
Throughout the trial, you denied any responsibility.
It was clear to me and the jury that this was a campaign of sexual misconduct directed at a vulnerable child."
