KEITH BENTON FROM DONCASTER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AND 6,000 INDECENT IMAGES
In a case that has sparked outrage and disbelief within the community, Keith Benton, a 47-year-old man from Doncaster, was handed a relatively lenient sentence despite the severity of his crimes.The incident took place at Sheffield Crown Court in June 2018, where Benton appeared to face charges related to both the possession of a vast collection of indecent images and a disturbing sexual assault on a teenage girl.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Benton had accumulated a staggering total of 6,000 indecent images classified as Category C, which generally depict children engaged in sexual activities.
These images were discovered on his computer during a police investigation that commenced in February of the previous year.
Further examination uncovered additional material, including more Category C images and a single Category B image, which indicates a slightly higher level of severity in the content.
In addition to the possession of these illicit images, Benton faced charges of sexual assault stemming from an incident in August 2016.
The victim, a teenage girl under the age of 16, reported that Benton had groped her, an act that she described as deeply distressing.
During the court hearing, the prosecutor, Ian West, highlighted what he considered to be the most aggravating aspect of the case: Benton’s response when questioned by the victim about his inappropriate touching.
Benton reportedly told her, “because I like you,” a statement that added to the severity of his misconduct.
Furthermore, Benton initially denied the allegations of sexual assault when questioned by police, attempting to shift blame onto others for the images found on his computer.
His defense appeared to be based on denial and deflection, which did little to mitigate the seriousness of his actions.
Judge Peter Kelson QC presided over the case and, after reviewing the circumstances, decided to impose a community order rather than imprisonment.
Benton was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes a 60-day requirement for rehabilitation.
Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of five years, a measure that aims to monitor and manage his potential risk to the community.
In a surprising turn, Judge Kelson questioned why the case had been transferred from the Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court, implying that the sentence might have been more appropriate at a lower court level.
He remarked, “You don’t need any lectures from me,” indicating his skepticism about the severity of the sentence.
Following the court’s decision, a family friend of the teenage girl who was assaulted expressed her outrage and disappointment.
She described the sentence as “unbelievable,” emphasizing her concern that Benton was still free to walk the streets.
She added that the victim was now afraid to go out, fearing encounters with Benton, and expressed her concern for the other girls whose images were found on Benton’s computer, questioning what trauma they might have endured.
She further criticized the short rehabilitation period, stating, “How they think they can rehabilitate him in 60 days is quite unbelievable.
He should be punished for what he has done.” Her comments reflected a broader frustration with the justice system’s handling of such cases, with her concluding remark highlighting a perceived disparity: “There are people who are in prison for fraud who are not a danger to the community.
The paedophiles are the ones who should be shut away.”
