KEVIN GORMAN FROM BIRKENHEAD AND MARGATE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Birkenhead and Margate, Kevin Gorman, a former youth worker, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of sexually abusing three young children. The abuse, which spanned over a year, involved two girls and one boy, with the youngest victim being only eight years old at the time the abuse began. The heinous acts took place at two different properties in Birkenhead between 2008 and the summer of the previous year.

Gorman, aged 41, used manipulative tactics to coerce his victims into silence, warning them that if they disclosed the abuse, he would face imprisonment himself. This chilling threat was part of his effort to conceal his actions and continue his predatory behavior. The abuse only came to light when the oldest victim, then 14 years old, confided in her boyfriend. Her boyfriend subsequently informed her mother, which prompted an investigation into the allegations.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Teresa Loftus detailed the extent of Gorman’s depravity. She revealed that Gorman referred to one of the victims as his “special little girl” and even suggested they watch pornography together, further illustrating his manipulative and predatory nature. The court heard that Gorman engaged in inappropriate touching of the children and forced them to touch him in ways that were clearly sexual and abusive. One victim described feeling “trapped and pinned down on a chair or the floor” during the abuse, highlighting the physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon them.

Following the discovery of his crimes, Gorman attempted to take his own life. He was found and received hospital treatment for his injuries. Subsequently, he traveled to Margate, Kent, where he convalesced at his mother’s residence on Prince’s Avenue. This address was provided to the court as part of his guilty plea to the charges.

Victims’ impact statements presented during the trial painted a stark picture of the lasting psychological scars. All three victims suffered significant emotional trauma, with one requiring ongoing psychiatric treatment. The court was told that the abuse had a profound and enduring effect on their lives, underscoring the severity of Gorman’s actions.

Gorman, who previously worked as a young person’s alcohol intervention worker, was convicted of 32 sexual offences against a child. Judge John Roberts handed down a sentence of 14 years and eight months in prison. Additionally, Gorman was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, was permanently barred from working with children, and was placed under a sexual offences prevention order to prevent any further harm.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the devastating impact that abuse by trusted individuals can have on young lives.