HASTINGS PAEDOPHILE KEITH ELDRIDGE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN HASTINGS AND LEWES

In a case that has shocked the community of Hastings, Keith Robert Eldridge, aged 69, was recently subjected to a rigorous legal judgment following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The disturbing incidents, which spanned over four years, began when the victim was only five years old and continued until she reached the age of nine. These offences, which took place in and around Hastings, involved Eldridge engaging in multiple acts of indecency and assault that have left a lasting scar on the victim.

Keith Eldridge, a resident of Victoria Avenue in Hastings, was sentenced to a decade behind bars at Lewes Crown Court last September. The court found him guilty of three counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child. The severity of his crimes prompted the court to impose a notably harsh sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the need for justice for the young victim.

During a hearing held on a Tuesday morning, three senior judges at London's Appeal Court reviewed Eldridge’s appeal against his sentence. The appeal was filed by Eldridge’s legal team, who argued that the 10-year term was excessively severe and that his overall punishment was disproportionate. However, the judges, including Mr. Justice Hickinbottom, Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice, and Mr. Justice Jeremy Baker, unanimously dismissed the appeal, reaffirming that the sentence was appropriate given the nature of the crimes.

Mr. Justice Hickinbottom explicitly stated that Eldridge’s actions warranted such a “harsh” punishment. He detailed that Eldridge had made his young victim pleasure him, repeatedly touched her private parts with his fingers, and at one point, licked her. The judge emphasized that the victim kept her ordeal secret for many years, fearing repercussions if she disclosed the abuse, but she eventually reported the matter to the police. Despite the evidence, Eldridge denied any wrongdoing, claiming his conduct was innocent, but the jury at Lewes Crown Court did not believe his version of events.

In October 2013, Eldridge, then aged 66, was already sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of similar charges. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his crimes. His conviction and sentencing drew widespread condemnation, highlighting the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Eldridge’s defense argued that the convictions had left him a “broken man,” and they contended that his sentence was excessively harsh. Nonetheless, the appellate judges maintained that the punishment was justified, given the nature of the offences and the impact on the victim. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions in Hastings and beyond.