KENNETH EAVES FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING A CHILD
In December 2019, Kenneth Eaves, a 71-year-old resident of Viscount Evan Drive in Newport, was sentenced to a prison term of seven years after being found guilty of serious sexual offences that caused 'extremely serious harm' to his victim.The conviction followed a two-week trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where a jury deliberated and reached a majority verdict of 10-2 in favor of guilt.
Eaves was convicted on two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity with a child, all relating to a single girl.
These charges formed part of a total of 13 allegations brought against him, with the court hearing from three different complainants during the proceedings.
Despite the conviction on these three counts, Eaves was acquitted of the remaining charges, which included attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts of indecent assault.
The prosecution, led by Laurence Jones, presented evidence during the trial, while Eaves was defended by his barrister, Harry Baker.
Throughout the proceedings, Eaves maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and asserting that the three complainants were lying.
Following the jury’s guilty verdicts, Eaves was remanded into custody and appeared before the court for sentencing.
The court was informed that Eaves had no prior criminal record, which was noted by Judge Neil Bidder QC during the sentencing hearing.
The judge acknowledged Eaves’s previously unblemished character, describing him as a man who had worked diligently throughout his life.
However, Judge Bidder was unequivocal in condemning Eaves for the harm inflicted upon his victim.
He stated, “You caused her extremely serious harm.
She is extremely vulnerable.
I am not sure I have seen a worse case of harm caused by sexual abuse.” The judge also highlighted the distressing details that emerged during the trial, emphasizing the severity of the case.
As a result of his convictions, Eaves was sentenced to seven years in prison for the three offences.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.
The court also noted that the statutory victim surcharge was not applicable in this case due to the age of the offences.
