KENNETH WORSLEY OF BURNLEY AND READ SENTENCED FOR EIGHT-YEAR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Burnley and Read, Kenneth Worsley, aged 63, has been sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to a series of serious child sex offences. The crimes spanned over an eight-year period, during which Worsley, a resident of Whalley Road, Read, engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse against a young boy.

According to court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, Worsley pleaded guilty to four counts of indecency with a child and three charges of indecent assault. The court was informed that the abuse began when the victim was just eight years old. During this initial phase, Worsley coerced the boy into rubbing cream into his naked body and genitals, ostensibly to treat a dry skin condition. As the boy grew older, the nature of the abuse intensified, with Worsley performing sexual acts on him, the court heard.

The victim, now a 24-year-old man, finally found the courage to report the abuse to the police, which led to Worsley's arrest and subsequent charges. Worsley, a father of four, was described in court as a respected member of his local community, which added a layer of complexity to the case. His defense lawyer, Stuart Hudson, argued that Worsley's life had been significantly affected by the allegations, claiming that his client, who had no previous convictions, had succumbed to temptation and committed these acts.

However, Judge Beverley Lunt delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the lasting damage caused by Worsley's actions. She stated, “His life has been blighted by this case — not yours. And you are the one who blighted it.” The judge underscored that no punishment could undo the psychological harm inflicted on the victim. As part of his sentence, Worsley was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his contact with children under 16 unless an approved adult is present, in various circumstances.

Prosecutor Kath Johnson detailed that the abuse occurred between the ages of eight and sixteen, with Worsley initially claiming that the acts were related to a dry skin condition. When questioned during police interviews, Worsley denied any wrongdoing. However, he changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial, scheduled for Valentine’s Day at Barrow Crown Court. Judge Lunt also ordered two additional indecency offences and a separate set of charges to be considered for life on the file.

During the sentencing hearing, Worsley's defense attorney highlighted his client’s health issues, including cancer and a weak heartbeat, suggesting that a prison sentence would have a severe impact on his health. He also argued that Worsley posed no risk of reoffending.

Following the case, the victim, who was accompanied by his mother, step-father, and younger brother, expressed relief that Worsley had received a prison sentence. The young man stated, “I am glad he got three years because I thought he might not get as long because of his age and his illnesses.”

Detective Constable Andy Bunting of East Lancashire’s police public protection unit, based in Accrington, praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. He remarked, “He showed such courage in coming forward in the first place — he was brave enough to talk to the police about such a horrific time in his life.” The officer also emphasized that the court’s orders aim to prevent Worsley from committing similar offences in the future, ensuring greater protection for children in the community.