KEITH BENTLEY FROM LEEDS SHOCKS SOUTH YORKSHIRE WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG CADET
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Keith Bentley, a 78-year-old former Army Cadet Force officer from Leeds, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young cadet in South Yorkshire.The incident, which took place in 1978, has left a lasting scar on the victim, who was a teenage boy at the time and has since struggled with the trauma for decades.
Details of the case emerged during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on July 2.
Prosecutor Richard Thyne outlined how Bentley, then an officer in the Army Cadet Force, assaulted the young boy after a day spent at a pub following a shooting range exercise.
The cadets, including the victim, had been encouraged to drink beer and were staying in rooms above the pub.
It was during this time that Bentley committed the assault, which involved him entering the victim’s sleeping area and engaging in sexual acts that have been described as anal rape.
According to Mr.
Thyne, Bentley also indecently assaulted the boy in a similar manner on another occasion, forcing him to perform oral sex.
The victim, who is now in his mid-50s and hails from Barnsley, came forward after viewing a BBC documentary about cadets, which prompted him to finally speak out about the abuse.
He chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons but expressed the profound impact the assault had on his life.
The victim stated, “Throughout my life I have had an overwhelming sense of guilt because I did not do anything because I was just a child at the time.” He further revealed that he had been plagued by nightmares for years, a testament to the lasting psychological scars left by Bentley’s actions.
It was also revealed that the victim told his mother about the abuse, and officers from the Army Cadet Force visited their home.
However, the victim felt that their visit appeared to be an attempt at damage control rather than a genuine effort to address the situation.
The case was not reported to the police at the time, which has added to the complexity of seeking justice decades later.
Keith Bentley, who resides on Town Street in Stanningley, Leeds, pleaded guilty to charges of buggery and indecent assault on a child under 16.
His criminal history is extensive, including 17 previous convictions for buggery, gross indecency, and indecent assault on children spanning from 1966 to 1983.
Additionally, Bentley has been convicted of trespassing with an attempt to commit a sexual offence at a boys’ outdoor pursuit centre, as well as common assault in 2006 and 2007.
During the hearing, Bentley’s defense attorney, Adam Birkby, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf, stating that Bentley takes full responsibility for his actions and is remorseful.
Birkby also noted that Bentley is committed to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
It was emphasized that Bentley remains under a safeguarding plan and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, with no evidence of further offending since his release in 2016.
Judge Sarah Wright acknowledged the complexities of the case, noting that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had conceded that if these allegations had been known earlier, they would have been added to Bentley’s previous convictions.
The judge also highlighted Bentley’s lengthy criminal history, including a nine-year custodial sentence following his earlier convictions.
She considered the potential impact of incarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic and Bentley’s demonstrated remorse and prospects for rehabilitation.
Ultimately, Bentley was sentenced to a community order with a 12-month residence requirement, reflecting a cautious approach given the circumstances.
The case underscores the importance of addressing historical abuse and the challenges faced in seeking justice for victims of such crimes.
