KENNETH HARDING, PAEDOPHILE FROM LIVERPOOL AND PAIGNTON, SENTENCED FOR ABUSING GIRLS

In October 2013, a man named Kenneth Harding was sentenced to a decade behind bars after a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls came to light. Harding's criminal activities spanned over three decades and multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Thailand, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Harding, aged 61 at the time of sentencing, was initially known to have committed abuse in Liverpool more than 30 years prior. The details of his crimes emerged after a renewed public focus on child abuse scandals, notably the Jimmy Savile case, which encouraged victims to come forward and share their experiences. Prosecutor Ian Harris outlined that Harding had established a troubling relationship with his victims during his employment as a lifeguard at Butlins on Barry Island in Wales.

According to the court, Harding first befriended a young girl by training her in swimming and developing a close relationship with her family. Over time, he maintained contact by writing letters and purchasing sentimental gifts, such as an engraved bangle, which further ingratiated him with the family. When the family returned to Liverpool, Harding visited their home and eventually moved into the vicinity, gaining their trust to the extent that he was entrusted with babysitting their children.

However, beneath this facade of friendliness, Harding was engaging in increasingly sinister acts. He began showing pornography to the older girl, who was only 13 years old at the time, and subsequently subjected her to sexual abuse, including taking indecent photographs. The situation worsened when her friend, who had come to visit one afternoon, was invited to participate in Harding’s sexual activities. Harding’s depraved conduct escalated as he started abusing the girl regularly, exploiting her trust and innocence.

The full extent of Harding’s misconduct was only uncovered after the first victim discovered that Harding had also abused her younger sister, who was just seven and eight years old at the time. This revelation, coupled with the impact of the Jimmy Savile publicity, prompted the victims to come forward and report Harding’s crimes.

Currently residing at Torquay Road in Paignton, Devon, Harding pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including indecent assault and indecency with a child. His criminal record is further complicated by previous convictions in Australia, Thailand, and Devon, reflecting a long history of sexual offenses.

Harding is already subject to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order and is required to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Judge David Aubrey, QC, described Harding as “a paedophile who is sexually attracted to girls aged between eight and 10.” The judge emphasized the danger Harding poses, stating, “You do not believe the children you have irretrievably harmed to be victims. While there remains a Sexual Offences Prevention Order designed to protect young girls from you, you are in my assessment a dangerous and depraved individual and you continue to represent a significant risk to young girls.”