KELVIN CYPHUS FROM LEAMINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AT WARWICK CROWN COURT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Leamington, Kelvin Cyphus has been handed an indefinite prison sentence after admitting to multiple heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The 53-year-old resident of Christine Ledger Square appeared before Warwick Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty in November to a total of five counts of rape, involving girls aged between 11 and 13, along with other related sexual misconduct.

Following his plea, Cyphus was remanded in custody without the possibility of bail. Today, during the court proceedings, he was sentenced to an indeterminate life term, which means he will remain incarcerated until authorities are convinced that he no longer poses a threat to society. This type of sentence underscores the severity of his crimes and the potential danger he represents, ensuring that he cannot be released until a thorough assessment deems him safe.

The investigation into Cyphus’s actions was initiated by Warwickshire Police after one of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, came forward with allegations that Cyphus had been sexually abusing her for a period of two years. The distressing revelations prompted a comprehensive inquiry, which subsequently uncovered further disturbing details. During the course of the investigation, a second girl, aged 12, also admitted that Cyphus had sexually assaulted her, adding to the gravity of the case.

Detective Constable James Coleman expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am absolutely delighted at this sentence. This is a significant conviction and not only demonstrates that we take all reports of rape seriously but will proactively investigate such allegations to get the right outcome for survivors.” He further noted that both families involved in the case were pleased with the verdict. The two girls, who demonstrated remarkable bravery throughout the investigation, are now hopefully able to begin the process of moving forward with their lives, buoyed by the justice served today.

Prior to this conviction, Cyphus’s criminal conduct was already under scrutiny. In November 2013, he faced serious allegations after he was accused of befriending an 11-year-old girl and enticing her back to his home in Leamington, where he committed a sexual assault. During a pre-trial hearing at Warwick Crown Court, Cyphus maintained his innocence, denying the charges against him. However, on the day of his trial, his legal representative, Graeme Simpson, requested that seven of the thirteen charges he faced be reconsidered.

Subsequently, Cyphus pleaded guilty to six charges, which involved raping one girl over a period starting when she was just 11 years old. The court heard that he had befriended the girl, also a resident of Leamington, and lured her to his home, where the assaults took place. Additionally, Cyphus admitted to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Prosecutor Samantha Forsyth requested that the remaining charges, including allegations of further sexual abuse and assault against another 11-year-old girl, be formally recorded on the court’s files. Judge Sylvia de Bertodano agreed, and the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with particular attention to Cyphus’s potential dangerousness.

During the proceedings, Cyphus’s legal counsel sought bail, citing his client’s desire to arrange personal affairs and speak with family members about his admitted offenses. However, Judge de Bertodano firmly denied this request, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and Cyphus’s status as a flight risk. She stated, “You have admitted some very serious offences; and you will have been advised as to the likely sentence, which begins in the mid to high teens. It is not in anybody’s interest that you should have bail.”

Another individual, 70-year-old Frank Berry of Stoneleigh Road, Kenilworth, was also present in court, facing separate allegations. Berry had pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual activity involving one of the girls, which involved pulling up her clothing and touching her leg. The Crown Prosecutor indicated that it was not in the public interest to pursue this particular charge to trial, as it was considered a minor sexual assault. The court agreed to allow the charge to lie on the file, meaning Berry would not face a trial on that matter, and he was released from further proceedings related to it.