KEVIN SKYE, BLACKWOOD CHILD RAPIST, LIVES UNDER NEW IDENTITY NEAR PANTEG PARK IN SEBASTOPOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Blackwood and Sebastopol, Kevin Eacott, also known as Kevin Skye, has managed to evade justice in a manner that raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of post-conviction monitoring. Eacott, a man with a dark past involving heinous crimes against a young girl, has been living under a new identity authorized by police authorities following a violent incident on Boxing Day.

Originally from Blackwood, Eacott was convicted in 2003 of multiple sexual offenses, including two counts of child rape, three counts of indecency with a child, and one count of attempted rape. The victim, a girl who was only eight years old at the time, endured a series of depraved acts that have left lasting scars. Eacott, who was 29 years old during the abuse, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

He served approximately ten years before being released early in January 2013. Despite his release, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for life and was explicitly prohibited from working with children. His release did not mark the end of his troubling presence in the community, as he has since been manipulating local families by adopting a false identity. Reports indicate that Eacott, now calling himself Kevin Skye, has been introduced to children and currently resides just 200 meters from Panteg Park, a location frequently visited by young children.

Alarmingly, Eacott’s current residence is in Sebastopol or Griffithstown, near Pontypool, where he continues to live relatively close to areas where children play. His proximity to such locations has raised significant concerns among residents and authorities alike. His fiancée, who has been with him for three years and works at a school for children with special needs, is reportedly aware of his criminal history, which adds another layer of controversy to his current situation.

During his trial in 2003, Eacott maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. The victim was subjected to rigorous cross-examination, during which she was accused of lying, a common tactic in such cases that often complicates the pursuit of justice. Despite his claims of innocence, the jury found him guilty by a majority verdict.

The judge presiding over his case, Judge David Wynn Morgan, described the impact of Eacott’s crimes as “catastrophic” for the victim. He emphasized that the nature of the offenses was “depraved” and underscored the importance of lifelong registration as a sex offender. The judge also ordered that Eacott should never work with children again, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Morgan acknowledged Eacott’s military service, noting that he served in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, and Kosovo before leaving the army in 1999. Despite this, he stated that only a significant custodial sentence could be justified given the gravity of the offenses. Eacott’s defense attorney, Ray Tunney, highlighted his client’s military record and character, but the court’s decision was clear.

Following the sentencing, the victim’s mother expressed her dissatisfaction with the length of Eacott’s imprisonment, stating, “I think he could have done with more years in prison. I don’t think he should be let out.” She also shared that her daughter, now a teenager, was very angry and was undergoing counseling. Her hope remains that her daughter can eventually lead a normal life.

Law enforcement officials, including Detective Inspector Peter Keen from Blackwood police station, reaffirmed the seriousness of the case. Keen stated, “The sentence very much reflects the serious nature of these crimes,” emphasizing the ongoing concern about Eacott’s current living situation and the potential risk he poses to the community.