KENNETH AND PEGGY WHILES OF ESTON ESCAPE PRISON DESPITE CHILD ABUSE CHARGES IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has spanned decades and involved multiple victims, Kenneth and Peggy Whiles, residents of Durham Road in Eston, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found guilty of serious child abuse offenses committed in the 1980s and early 1990s. The proceedings took place at Teesside Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the abuse inflicted upon four young victims, some of whom had come forward after nearly 20 years of silence.

Kenneth Whiles, aged 71, was discovered in July to be suffering from moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnosis came just days into his trial, rendering him unfit to enter a plea. Despite this, the jury found that he had committed acts of indecent assault against two boys and had engaged in acts of child cruelty involving two boys and one girl. The court’s verdict confirmed that he was responsible for eight charges, including two counts of indecent assault and six counts of child cruelty. However, he was acquitted of 13 other charges, which included allegations of indecency with a child and assault causing actual bodily harm. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one count of indecent assault involving a fifth complainant, the youngest of the victims.

His wife, Peggy Whiles, aged 70, was also found guilty of three charges of child cruelty against two boys. She was in a wheelchair at the time of sentencing and faced the possibility of a prison sentence. The court ultimately sentenced her to 21 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, due to her health issues. The judge, Howard Crowson, emphasized the limitations imposed by Mr. Whiles’ Alzheimer’s condition, stating that a hospital order was ruled out by a psychiatrist and that an absolute discharge was not appropriate. Instead, a two-year supervision order was imposed on Mr. Whiles, with the judge noting that his powers were “very limited” because of his illness.

During the hearing, the victims, now adults, sat at the back of the courtroom, visibly distressed and tearful as the verdicts were announced. The judge addressed them directly, expressing regret that he could not undo the harm they had suffered. “It will never be a thing I can give them,” he said, adding, “I can’t give them back what they have lost. I can’t possibly do that.” He further stated that he hoped the victims would find some solace in the fact that their cases had been heard and believed by the court.

The court detailed the nature of the abuse, which included children being hit, punched, beaten with a belt, and subjected to humiliating treatment. The court also heard that Mr. Whiles had sexually assaulted two boys, with one assault leaving a lasting impact on the victim, who described feeling “lost” for the rest of his life. The allegations against the couple had been denied for many years, with some victims withdrawing their complaints, which delayed criminal proceedings. The case was revived after one victim, feeling that justice had not been served, contacted the police with threats to harm the couple.

Judge Crowson scheduled sentencing for September 8, with bail granted to the couple. He reiterated that due to Mr. Whiles’ health condition, very limited options were available, and a hospital order was ruled out. The psychiatrist’s recommendation was for a supervision order under the Mental Health Act. The judge also warned Mrs. Whiles that prison remained a possibility, emphasizing that her health and age did not exempt her from potential incarceration. The court’s decision underscores the complex considerations involved in sentencing individuals with serious health issues who have committed grave offenses many years ago.