KEITH MORRIS SENTENCED TO EIGHT AND A HALF YEARS IN LANCASHIRE FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

A paedophile named Keith Morris has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls. Morris, 63, whose address was listed as Beechtrees, Digmoor, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, was found guilty on two counts of indecent assault. The jury at Preston Crown Court, however, was unable to reach a verdict on a rape charge.

Morris, who had been residing in Berwick-on-Tweed, denied all the charges related to abuse. In addition to his imprisonment, he has been ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is banned from working with children once released.

During sentencing, Judge Peter Openshaw QC told Morris that he posed a clear risk to children. Morris claimed he was the victim of a "wicked conspiracy," but Judge Openshaw dismissed this, stating, "His failure to admit the charges showed he had not shown the slightest regret or remorse."

The offences spanned several years. Morris's barrister, David Owen, mentioned that Morris suffers from angina, diabetes, and anaemia, which he argued should be considered during sentencing. However, Judge Openshaw emphasized that the sentence reflects the severity of the criminal acts.

Morris also faced additional charges related to downloading child pornography from the internet, but it was ordered that these allegations should remain on his file.