KEITH TURNER FROM KIDSGROVE SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In April 2022, a disturbing case concluded at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court involving Keith Turner, an 84-year-old man from Kidsgrove, who was convicted of a long history of sexual abuse against young girls spanning over three decades. Turner, who was battling cancer at the time of sentencing, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his heinous crimes.

Turner’s criminal conduct involved the sexual exploitation of seven girls under the age of 14, with the abuse occurring intermittently from 1970 through 2002. The prosecutor, Antony Longworth, detailed that the victims ranged in age from very young children to teenagers, and that Turner’s actions included performing sexual acts in front of his victims and coercing some to touch him. One particularly distressing incident took place while the offender was on a fairground ride, highlighting the disturbing nature of his predatory behavior.

The impact of Turner’s abuse on his victims has been profound and lasting. One girl, who was just 15 at the time, attempted to take her own life as a result of the trauma. Another victim suffered a nervous breakdown, which led to her losing her employment after working for 20 years in her chosen profession. During the court proceedings, one victim delivered an emotional statement, recounting her feelings of fear and silence. She explained, “I felt frightened. I said nothing to anyone for fear of being disbelieved. In 2007 I suffered a nervous breakdown. I was totally depressed. As a result of the breakdown, I lost the job I loved which I had for 20 years. You took advantage of the situation and my vulnerability in order to gain your own sexual gratification and I will never forgive you for that. I will never forgive you.”

Keith Turner, who resides in Kidsgrove, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including indecent assault of a girl under 16, four counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14, and nine counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14. The court heard that his actions were driven by an obsession with masturbation, which appeared to have become an addiction.

Judge Graeme Smith addressed the court, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of Turner’s crimes. He stated, “The only reason you have no previous convictions is because your victims have carried the burden of your abuse against them for a very long time, in some cases up to 50 years, and have not reported it due to shame, embarrassment, fear or pressure. You have damaged so many innocent lives. A number of victims have said that to some extent they blame themselves for what has happened. It was not their fault. Each of them was a young child. You were an adult. It seems clear you had an obsession with or an addiction to masturbation. I just hope in some way this day will be a turning point in each of their lives.”

As part of his sentence, Turner was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm. The case underscores the devastating and enduring impact of child sexual abuse and highlights the importance of justice for victims who have endured such trauma in Kidsgrove and beyond.