HORDEN MAN KEITH LEE SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING GIRLS IN DURHAM
| Red Rose Database
Horden Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Horden, County Durham, Keith Lee, a 53-year-old man, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving underage girls. The court heard that Lee, who resides on Wilkinson Road in Horden, engaged in disturbing acts of sexual abuse, including the rape of one of his young victims, actions that have left a lasting impact on those involved.
Durham Crown Court was told that Lee’s crimes came to light after he was caught engaging in sexual activity with one of the girls in June. Despite his initial pleas for the incident to remain unreported, a formal complaint was eventually made to the authorities, leading to a police investigation. Prosecutor Shaun Dodds revealed that the allegations against Lee included five counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual activity with a child, and the rape of one of the victims. It was only on the day his trial was scheduled to commence, November 26, that Lee admitted to the rape charge, a revelation that caused additional distress to the victims who had already prepared to give evidence in court.
During the proceedings, Mr. Dodds highlighted that Lee had allegedly offered money to the girls involved, who, it was emphasized, did not want to participate in the sexual activities. The court was also informed that Lee’s actions were predatory in nature, targeting girls who were described as immature and vulnerable. The judge, Christopher Prince, described Lee as a “predatory paedophile,” emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community.
In mitigation, lawyer Paul Cross acknowledged the heinous nature of the offences but also pointed out that Lee had led a previously blameless and hardworking life. Cross expressed difficulty in understanding how Lee, who was described as a man of good character before these events, could have fallen into such behavior. He also noted Lee’s declining health and diminishing sexual function, suggesting that these factors might have contributed to his actions. However, Judge Prince was unequivocal in his assessment, stating, “The fact is the man is a paedophile and he won’t accept it.”
As part of his sentence, Lee was placed under a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his contact with children and requires him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The case has left the community of Horden grappling with the serious implications of the crimes committed by one of their residents, and the court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals.
Durham Crown Court was told that Lee’s crimes came to light after he was caught engaging in sexual activity with one of the girls in June. Despite his initial pleas for the incident to remain unreported, a formal complaint was eventually made to the authorities, leading to a police investigation. Prosecutor Shaun Dodds revealed that the allegations against Lee included five counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual activity with a child, and the rape of one of the victims. It was only on the day his trial was scheduled to commence, November 26, that Lee admitted to the rape charge, a revelation that caused additional distress to the victims who had already prepared to give evidence in court.
During the proceedings, Mr. Dodds highlighted that Lee had allegedly offered money to the girls involved, who, it was emphasized, did not want to participate in the sexual activities. The court was also informed that Lee’s actions were predatory in nature, targeting girls who were described as immature and vulnerable. The judge, Christopher Prince, described Lee as a “predatory paedophile,” emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community.
In mitigation, lawyer Paul Cross acknowledged the heinous nature of the offences but also pointed out that Lee had led a previously blameless and hardworking life. Cross expressed difficulty in understanding how Lee, who was described as a man of good character before these events, could have fallen into such behavior. He also noted Lee’s declining health and diminishing sexual function, suggesting that these factors might have contributed to his actions. However, Judge Prince was unequivocal in his assessment, stating, “The fact is the man is a paedophile and he won’t accept it.”
As part of his sentence, Lee was placed under a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his contact with children and requires him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The case has left the community of Horden grappling with the serious implications of the crimes committed by one of their residents, and the court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals.