KEITH PADGETT'S SHOCKING CRIME IN GOOLE AND CLECKHEATON: SEX OFFENDER'S REIGN OF TERROR REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Goole and Cleckheaton, Keith Padgett, aged 76, appeared in court to face serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a young girl. The incident, which took place in Goole, involved Padgett indecently assaulting a five-year-old girl while she was sitting on a sofa at a private residence.

According to court reports, Padgett touched the young girl in her pajamas during a visit to the house in Goole. The assault was discovered when the girl’s father confronted Padgett just two days after the incident. Overcome with emotion, Padgett burst into tears and admitted to the act, leading to police involvement. The case was brought to light after the father’s confrontation, which prompted a police investigation into the matter.

Initially, Keith Padgett denied any wrongdoing when questioned by authorities. However, he later expressed remorse, stating, “I felt disgusted with myself. Why I did it, I don’t know. I am going to see a doctor.” His admission came after a period of denial, during which he appeared to grapple with his actions. Padgett, who now resides in Cleckheaton near Leeds, has a troubling history of sexual offenses. In May 2002, he was convicted on seven counts of indecent assault involving three girls, all aged eleven. For these offenses, he was sentenced to a three-year Community Rehabilitation Order, which involved supervision and treatment, but the pattern of his behavior indicated a persistent problem.

During the recent court proceedings, Crown barrister Mark McKone highlighted Padgett’s failure to learn from his past. Despite previous convictions, Padgett at times claimed he was not sexually attracted to young girls, a statement that the prosecution found inconsistent with his history of offending. The court heard that Padgett pleaded guilty to the December 24 incident in Goole, where he assaulted the young girl at a private residence. His appearance at Hull Crown Court for sentencing was marked by emotional distress; he bowed his head and wept as graphic details of his actions were read aloud in open court. Throughout the proceedings, he remained silent, leaving the narrative to his legal representative.

Defense lawyer Ayaz Qasi acknowledged the gravity of the offenses, emphasizing the emotional impact on the victim’s family. He argued that Padgett requires professional help, noting that previous interventions had not been effective. The defense also pointed out that while there were signs of grooming behavior in past offenses, the current case only showed early, embryonic signs of such conduct.

Judge Rodney Jameson, QC, addressed the court, describing the assault as a serious breach committed for Padgett’s sexual gratification. He noted that Padgett’s history of offending eight years prior added weight to the severity of the current case. The judge initially considered a two-year custodial sentence but acknowledged the risk of a longer prison term due to the nature of the offense and Padgett’s background. Ultimately, the judge decided that Padgett did not pose a significant ongoing threat to the public but emphasized the importance of preventing recurrence.

To this end, Judge Jameson ordered a 36-month community order, which includes mandatory attendance at the Northumbria Sex Offenders’ Treatment Programme. Additionally, Padgett was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, prohibiting him from working with children under 16. He was also required to sign the National Sex Offenders’ Register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court’s decision aims to balance punishment with the necessity of treatment and supervision to prevent future harm.