KEVIN DEKEYSER SCARBOROUGH GYMNASTICS TEACHER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE ADMISSIONS

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough and the surrounding areas, Kevin Dekeyser, a 48-year-old former gymnastics instructor from Columbus Ravine, has been spared a prison sentence despite admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The incident took place in Pickering, where Dekeyser was associated with the now-defunct Ryedale Flames gymnastics club, which operated out of the Northern Ryedale Leisure Centre.

During a hearing at Leeds Crown Court, Dekeyser was handed a three-year community order that includes supervision requirements. Additionally, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. The court proceedings revealed that Dekeyser, who had no prior criminal record, confessed to three counts of sexual abuse against a teenage girl. A fourth allegation was noted but will remain on file without further prosecution.

Prosecutor Jonathan Carroll outlined the circumstances leading to Dekeyser’s arrest and subsequent conviction. He explained that Dekeyser had developed a relationship with the teenage girl after observing her participate in gymnastics competitions. Recognizing her talent, Dekeyser struck a deal with her mother, which allowed the girl to join his gymnastics club. He then took on the responsibility of transporting her to and from training sessions.

The troubling incidents began to unfold in August 2005. On one occasion, Dekeyser parked outside the girl’s home and expressed his feelings by saying, “I just don’t want to let you go.” He then drove her to the end of her street and asked her for a kiss on the lips. Although she initially agreed, she became uncomfortable when he moved in for a more intimate kiss, indicating that he was getting “too close.”

Another similar incident occurred near a petrol station in Scarborough, further raising concerns. The situation escalated when Dekeyser was arrested following a third incident at the girl’s residence. During this encounter, when her mother temporarily left the room, Dekeyser made inappropriate comments, telling the girl she was “looking gorgeous” and then proceeded to put his hand down her trousers, groping her.

In mitigation, Dekeyser’s legal representative, Taryn Turner, argued that her client had no previous convictions and that these offences were “entirely out of character.” She emphasized that Dekeyser had been a dedicated family man, describing him as a loyal son, husband, and father who had contributed positively to the lives of many young people. Turner also pointed out that Dekeyser had been diagnosed with diabetes and had exhibited “unusual personality traits” in the months leading up to the offences, which might explain his behavior.

Judge Stephen Ashurst acknowledged the seriousness of the case but also recognized the victim’s courage in reporting the incidents. He stated that the victim was “absolutely right” to come forward and suggested that her actions may have prevented Dekeyser from committing more serious offences. The judge remarked that Dekeyser’s reputation in the community had been severely damaged and that it would take a long time for him to regain trust.

Despite the gravity of the crimes, Dekeyser was not sentenced to prison. Instead, he was ordered to participate in a sex offender treatment program and will be subject to supervision for the next three years. His family, who attended the court hearing to support him, expressed their backing. The court’s decision reflects a complex balance between accountability and the recognition of mitigating circumstances surrounding Dekeyser’s actions.