KEVIN CRAIGE FROM PLYMOUTH SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS
In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Kevin Craige, a 40-year-old man from Glenholt, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving teenage girls.The crimes, which spanned over two years, included the rape of two young girls and the sexual abuse of two others, all of whom were minors at the time.
According to court proceedings, Craige, who was married at the time, would often lure his victims with offers of cannabis and alcohol, creating an environment where they felt compelled or coerced into engaging in sexual activities.
The Plymouth Crown Court heard detailed accounts of how Craige exploited his position of trust and authority over these vulnerable girls, leading to a series of traumatic experiences for the victims.
Judge Graham Cottle presided over the case and delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the disturbing nature of Craige’s actions.
He stated, “You clearly have a sexual interest in teenage girls,” highlighting the predatory pattern of behavior that the court had uncovered.
The judge also noted the victims’ reactions during the assaults, describing how they “froze” and were “in shock,” indicating the profound psychological impact of the abuse.
He further explained that it took two years for the offences to come to light, underscoring the difficulty victims often face in coming forward.
Craige, who denied all allegations, insisted that the accusations were fabricated, claiming that the girls had conspired to make false reports against him for reasons he could not explain.
However, the jury swiftly rejected his account, reaching a unanimous verdict after just an hour and a half of deliberation following a week-long trial.
During the sentencing, Judge Cottle imposed a series of consecutive sentences: six years for one count of rape, five years for another, and an additional two years for a sexual activity offence.
The remaining sentences are to be served concurrently.
Craige appeared composed during the proceedings, dressed in a smart shirt and tie, showing little reaction as the verdicts were read.
Prosecutor Malcolm Galloway presented statements from the victims, emphasizing the lasting effects of the abuse.
He remarked that the incidents had adversely affected the girls’ ability to form close relationships with men, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by Craige’s actions.
Defense attorney Garth Richardson acknowledged the difficulty in mitigating the sentence, given Craige’s denial of any wrongdoing.
He also pointed out that Craige was well regarded in his workplace, had recently married, and that his wife was standing by him, suggesting a complex personal background.
Nonetheless, the court’s focus remained on the gravity of the offences and the need for justice for the victims of this disturbing case in Plymouth.
