JOHN KETTER FROM SLOUGH SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE IN READING COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community, John Ketter, a man with no fixed address but originally from Slough, was formally sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The sentencing took place at Reading Crown Court on April 14, 2014, where Ketter pleaded guilty to a total of ten counts, including six charges of raping a child under the age of 13 and four counts of raping a minor.

According to court records, the abuse occurred over a span of more than seven years, beginning in 2006 and continuing until December 2013. The victim, a girl under 16 years old at the time, was subjected to repeated assaults at various addresses within Slough. The distressing details of the case only came to light when the victim reported the abuse to the police in January 2014. Following her report, Ketter was swiftly arrested on January 18 and formally charged the next day.

Detective Constable Emma Skinner, who led the investigation, emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “These offences happened over a seven-year period and were of the utmost seriousness. It is because of the level of his offences that Ketter now faces a long time behind bars to reflect upon his actions.”

In court, Ketter, aged 48, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for each of the six counts of raping a child under 13, with all sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, he received a 12-year sentence for each of the four counts of raping a minor, also to run concurrently. However, due to the legal structure of concurrent sentencing, his total time behind bars remains 17 years, despite the multiple counts and the severity of the crimes. This aspect of the sentencing has sparked debate, as critics argue that the system's approach to concurrent sentences can sometimes diminish the perceived severity of such offenses.

Overall, the case has highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding child abuse and the importance of vigilant reporting and swift justice. The community in Slough and beyond will undoubtedly be watching closely as Ketter begins his prison term, reflecting on the grave consequences of his actions.