May 2022 Barnsley rapist jailed for abuse of three girls A man who sexually abused three young girls – subjecting each to “utterly horrific ordeals” – has been jailed for 30 years. John Kelk, 68, from Barnsley, physically abused his victims, dragging one girl by her hair, beating her and making her drink weed killer. He raped another young girl by penetrating her with a screwdriver He was convicted of 22 offences, including rape and sexual assault, committed in the 1970s and 80s. Police described his crimes as “vile and “sickening”. Kelk, of Wingfield Road, Athersley South, Barnsley was sentenced on Friday following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The judge sentenced Kelk to 30 years of custody and said any prospect of an early release would be for the consideration of the parole board. Kelk must also serve a one-year extension on his licence period as and when he may be released from prison. Kelk had touched the first youngster intimately, raped her and forced her to perform a sex act, according to Judge Wright, and he also violated her with a screwdriver and a lollipop. Judge Wright said Kelk also systematically sexually abused and raped two more young girls. She added Kelk had threatened to kill the first complainant’s father if she disclosed what he had been doing to her and all of his victims had been too afraid to speak out for fear of not being believed. The first complainant told Kelk during the hearing: “What you did to me did not just hurt me physically but emotionally and mentally.” She added: “I used to be embarrassed by what happened. I blamed myself for all this. I lack self-esteem. This has affected me all through my childhood into adulthood.” This complainant further told Kelk: “I want to be free from you and the memories and pain you caused me. I deserve to be happy.” The second complainant also told the defendant: “The truth is you don’t deserve the time and effort in my thoughts. I have no time in my life for people like you.” The third complainant said: “I was scared when he abused me. I felt deeply ashamed and dirty and could not tell anyone because of fears of repercussions.”