KENNETH LEA SHAW SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS
| Red Rose Database
Shaw Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Shaw, a 73-year-old man named Kenneth Lea has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls. The conviction followed a detailed trial held in May, where a jury unanimously agreed on his guilt after hearing evidence of his disturbing actions.
On the day of sentencing at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, Recorder Peter Wright QC addressed Lea directly, condemning his predatory behavior. He stated, "These girls were groomed by you in order to make them sexually pliable. I am quite sure that you awaited your opportunity and took it. You are an opportunist and a sexual predator." The court heard that Lea, who resides on Oak Street in Shaw, had engaged in a pattern of grooming and abusing the victims over a period of years.
The first victim, now an adult woman, recounted how Lea's abuse, which began when she was just five or six years old nearly two decades ago, had left her emotionally scarred and confused. The court was told that Lea's actions had a profound and lifelong impact on her mental health. She described her suffering, saying, "Whatever sentence is imposed, it will never take away the pain he caused." She also expressed her fears that speaking out might have led to disbelief, but she finally found the courage to report her abuse.
The second victim, who was between four and five years old at the time of the offences, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Lea. The court acknowledged the severity of his actions, describing them as "dreadful." Recorder Wright expressed hope that the second victim might eventually be able to forget her ordeal, given her young age at the time of the abuse.
Lea was convicted of nine separate offences, including assault on a girl under 13 by penetration and indecent assault on a young girl. The sentences handed down were a total of 16 years in prison, with no automatic release after serving half of the term. Specifically, he received 12 years for the most serious offence of sexual assault involving penetration of a girl under 13, and an additional four years for indecent assault, to be served consecutively. Concurrent sentences of six and seven years were also imposed for other offences, including sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court was informed that a probation service report classified Lea as a dangerous offender. Despite this, Recorder Wright decided against imposing an indeterminate sentence, believing that the length of the prison term would sufficiently protect the public. Lea showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced.
Lea's health was noted to be poor, and his defense lawyer, Philip Barnes, argued that time in prison would be particularly difficult for him. The judge acknowledged this but emphasized that the primary concern was public safety. He warned Lea that he might spend the rest of his life behind bars, especially considering his advanced age and lack of prior convictions.
Upon release, Lea will be subject to strict conditions, including registration as a sex offender and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, aimed at preventing any further harm. The court's verdict underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and justice in cases of sexual abuse.
On the day of sentencing at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, Recorder Peter Wright QC addressed Lea directly, condemning his predatory behavior. He stated, "These girls were groomed by you in order to make them sexually pliable. I am quite sure that you awaited your opportunity and took it. You are an opportunist and a sexual predator." The court heard that Lea, who resides on Oak Street in Shaw, had engaged in a pattern of grooming and abusing the victims over a period of years.
The first victim, now an adult woman, recounted how Lea's abuse, which began when she was just five or six years old nearly two decades ago, had left her emotionally scarred and confused. The court was told that Lea's actions had a profound and lifelong impact on her mental health. She described her suffering, saying, "Whatever sentence is imposed, it will never take away the pain he caused." She also expressed her fears that speaking out might have led to disbelief, but she finally found the courage to report her abuse.
The second victim, who was between four and five years old at the time of the offences, was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Lea. The court acknowledged the severity of his actions, describing them as "dreadful." Recorder Wright expressed hope that the second victim might eventually be able to forget her ordeal, given her young age at the time of the abuse.
Lea was convicted of nine separate offences, including assault on a girl under 13 by penetration and indecent assault on a young girl. The sentences handed down were a total of 16 years in prison, with no automatic release after serving half of the term. Specifically, he received 12 years for the most serious offence of sexual assault involving penetration of a girl under 13, and an additional four years for indecent assault, to be served consecutively. Concurrent sentences of six and seven years were also imposed for other offences, including sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court was informed that a probation service report classified Lea as a dangerous offender. Despite this, Recorder Wright decided against imposing an indeterminate sentence, believing that the length of the prison term would sufficiently protect the public. Lea showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced.
Lea's health was noted to be poor, and his defense lawyer, Philip Barnes, argued that time in prison would be particularly difficult for him. The judge acknowledged this but emphasized that the primary concern was public safety. He warned Lea that he might spend the rest of his life behind bars, especially considering his advanced age and lack of prior convictions.
Upon release, Lea will be subject to strict conditions, including registration as a sex offender and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, aimed at preventing any further harm. The court's verdict underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and justice in cases of sexual abuse.