KENNETH SUNDERLAND SENTENCED IN BULWELL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Bulwell, Nottingham Crown Court has sentenced 71-year-old Kenneth Sunderland to a lengthy prison term of 16 years after he was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young male victim.

Kenneth Sunderland, who resides on Grindon Crescent in Bulwell, was convicted of six counts of indecent assault and two counts of attempted sexual offences that were committed against the same boy. The trial revealed a disturbing history of abuse, with Sunderland’s actions spanning several years and involving allegations that date back to the late 1990s.

The court heard that Sunderland’s victim, now an adult, had initially chosen not to report the abuse to authorities during the late 1990s. The reason, as explained by the victim, was a belief that speaking out might lead to further harm or stigma, especially after being told that a significant proportion of children who are abused go on to become abusers themselves. This discouragement contributed to a silence that lasted for years.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Sunderland had a history of sexual misconduct, including allegations of abusing two females in the past. Sunderland had previously pleaded guilty to those allegations in a separate case, which added a layer of complexity to the current proceedings. The victim recounted that he had confided in social services about the abuse, but was told that it was too late to take action, further discouraging him from reporting the crimes at the time.

The case took a new turn in 2016 when the victim, hearing that Sunderland was terminally ill, sought an apology from him. Sunderland reportedly responded with a vague remark, saying, “I don’t know what it was but it wasn’t rape,” which the victim found to be an unsatisfactory and dismissive response. This prompted the victim to approach the police and report the recent allegations.

Throughout the trial, Sunderland denied the new charges, maintaining his innocence. However, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him of the charges, leading to his 16-year imprisonment. In addition to his prison sentence, Sunderland will be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a measure designed to monitor his activities after his release. Furthermore, a restraining order has been issued to prevent him from contacting or approaching the victim.

The case has brought to light the long-lasting impact of abuse and the importance of addressing historical allegations, especially when victims decide to come forward after many years. Sunderland’s conviction underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to hold offenders accountable, regardless of the passage of time.