KENNETH ALLEN, BIRKENHEAD MAGISTRATE, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN SHEFFIELD
In a case that has shocked the local community of Birkenhead and the wider Merseyside area, Kenneth Allen, a former magistrate, was formally sentenced last night for serious sexual offenses involving two teenage boys.The proceedings took place at Sheffield Crown Court, where the gravity of Allen's actions was laid bare, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning several decades.
Allen, aged 70 and residing on Prenton Lane in Birkenhead, faced charges that included three counts of indecency with a child.
The offences came to light only recently, with one dating back to 1983 and the other two occurring last year.
The victims, both boys aged 13 at the time of the abuse, suffered significant trauma, with one requiring ongoing counselling to address the emotional scars inflicted upon them.
Prosecutor Peter Pimm detailed the impact of Allen’s actions, emphasizing that the first victim experienced severe psychological distress, including depression and alcoholism, as a direct result of the abuse.
The court was informed that Allen had been a respected figure in the community, having served as a magistrate for 20 years before retiring approximately 18 months ago.
Despite his previous public service, his reputation was now overshadowed by the allegations and subsequent conviction.
During the sentencing hearing, Allen’s legal counsel argued that his client was not in good health and that the case had pushed him to the brink of suicide.
They highlighted his age and ill-health as mitigating factors, attempting to garner sympathy and understanding for his situation.
However, the presiding judge, Patrick Robertshaw, was unequivocal in his condemnation of Allen’s conduct and attitude.
Judge Robertshaw criticized Allen for his apparent lack of remorse and his failure to cooperate with the Probation Service during the pre-sentence assessment.
While acknowledging that Allen’s guilty pleas spared the victims from having to testify in court, the judge expressed deep concern over his dismissive attitude towards the offences.
He stated, “Your attitude to these offences as disclosed by the report does you no credit at all,” and further condemned Allen for showing “a complete lack of insight into what you are and what you have done.” The judge emphasized that Allen’s actions demonstrated a callous disregard for the suffering of his victims and the distress caused to others.
He pointed out that each offence involved a grossly indecent act committed against young boys, with Allen knowingly abusing his position of trust for his own perverted gratification.
The court noted that two of the victims required counselling, underscoring the serious and lasting impact of Allen’s crimes.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Robertshaw ordered that Allen be registered as a sex offender for ten years.
He sentenced him to four months in prison for each of the three counts, with the sentences on two of the charges to run concurrently.
This means Allen will serve a maximum of eight months behind bars.
The judge also made it clear that probation was not appropriate in this case, given the apparent predisposition to abuse that Allen exhibited.
Allen’s barrister, Trevor Parry-Jones, expressed regret over the breakdown in communication with the Probation Service and reiterated that his client was suffering from depression.
He described Allen as a man who had contributed positively to society during his years as a magistrate but had now been tarnished by these allegations.
Parry-Jones warned that Allen would face social stigma and the challenges of being labeled a sex offender, which would likely result in him being kept separate from the general prison population.
Throughout the 40-minute hearing, Allen remained largely silent, only confirming his name.
He had previously pleaded guilty to all three offences during a hearing held last month, and the court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the profound impact on his victims and community.
