KEITH WORTHINGTON OF DOVECOT AND ST HELENS SENTENCED FOR ABUSING THREE BOYS IN SHOCKING CASE

In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Dovecot and St Helens, Keith Worthington, aged 47, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences involving three young boys. The crimes, which spanned over several years, revealed a pattern of systematic abuse that left lasting scars on the victims and their families.

According to court proceedings, Worthington, who was formerly residing on Silkstone Street in St Helens and is now living on Prestwood Road in Dovecot, engaged in a series of predatory behaviors aimed at vulnerable children. The court heard that he first targeted a young boy by showering him with gifts, drugs, and alcohol, effectively grooming him for further abuse. This initial victim was manipulated into a false sense of trust, which Worthington exploited to commit sexual assault.

Further details emerged during the trial, where it was revealed that Worthington encouraged another child to watch pornography before molesting him. The court described this as part of a calculated grooming process designed to desensitize the victim and facilitate the abuse. The third victim was assaulted while Worthington was intoxicated; during this attack, he held the boy’s hand over his mouth to prevent him from crying out for help, an act that left the child crying throughout the ordeal.

Judge Andrew Menary, QC, presided over the case and delivered a stern verdict, condemning Worthington’s actions as a systematic pattern of sexual exploitation. The judge emphasized that the abuse was not isolated but rather a calculated sequence of offenses, each one building upon the last. He stated, “Overall you are guilty of the systematic sexual exploitation and abuse of three young boys. Systematic in the sense that having abused one boy, you then moved onto the next boy, and then to the third. These offences have had a devastating impact on the lives of these young men and will continue to do so.”

During the sentencing, the court acknowledged the long-lasting effects of the abuse. The first victim, who was manipulated into watching pornography at a young age, was too young to understand what was happening at the time. Judge Menary noted, “Because of his age, he didn’t understand what you were doing. That and fear meant he didn’t tell anyone what had happened to him until he was much older. Sadly, he was not believed.”

The court also detailed how Worthington targeted a second boy, who was vulnerable due to issues at home. This victim often missed school to spend time with Worthington, sometimes staying overnight. The offender provided him with gifts, alcohol, and cannabis, fostering a grooming environment. The judge described this as “classic grooming behaviour, designed to buy his affections, and facilitate very serious sexual abuse.” Worthington raped this boy on two separate occasions, causing him pain but leaving him too ashamed and frightened to report the incidents.

The third victim was subjected to a similar ordeal, with Worthington holding his hand over the boy’s mouth to silence him during the assault. The child was described as crying throughout these episodes, highlighting the trauma inflicted.

Judge Menary also pointed out that Worthington lacked a previous good character, stating, “Sadly, frankly, there is no evidence that your life has amounted to very much at all.” The court deemed him “an offender of particular concern,” and as part of his sentence, he will serve an additional year on licence. This means he will spend a minimum of nine years in prison, with release contingent upon a parole board’s assessment of his risk to the public.

Furthermore, Worthington is required to register as a sex offender for life and must adhere to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Keith Worthington.