KNOCKHOLT SEX OFFENDER KEITH WASSELL JAILED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES AND SUICIDE BID

In a case that has shocked the quiet community of Knockholt, Keith Wassell, aged 53, has been sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to the production of indecent images involving a four-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Wassell's actions, which have left residents deeply concerned about safety and the presence of such offenders in their neighborhood.

Wassell, residing on Pound Lane in Knockholt, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to charges related to the creation of inappropriate images of a young girl. The court was informed that Wassell had filmed the child in a state of undress and subsequently produced still images from the footage. These illicit images were stored on a memory card, which later went missing, adding to the complexity of the case.

Following the discovery of his actions, Wassell's mental health appeared to deteriorate significantly. Shortly after the images disappeared, he attempted to take his own life by overdosing on medication, an act that drew further attention to his troubled state of mind. The court heard that Wassell's previous convictions included a similar offense dating back to 1984, when he was convicted of indecent assault against a child.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC, presiding over the case, acknowledged Wassell's remorse and accepted that his suicide attempt was likely genuine. The judge stated, “I am prepared to accept the suicide gesture was a genuine one. You survived and then confessed.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Wassell was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and was prohibited from working with children for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, he was subjected to a ten-year sexual offences prevention order, which aims to restrict his activities and prevent further harm.

During the hearing, Wassell's legal representative, Katherine Lewis, explained that his personal circumstances had undergone significant changes, impacting his ability to operate his business. His work involved the supply and maintenance of computers for both residential and small business clients, but these activities have been severely affected by the ongoing legal issues and his recent actions.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns within the community of Knockholt regarding the safety of children and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in addressing such heinous crimes. The community now faces the difficult reality of having a convicted offender living among them, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.