KEVIN HOLE FROM ADLINGTON AND HORWICH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a disturbing series of criminal acts, Kevin Hole, a man with ties to the towns of Adlington and Horwich, was convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving young boys. The incidents spanned over several years, with the earliest abuse dating back to July 2001, when he indecently assaulted a two-year-old boy. This particular abuse occurred between July 2001 and July 2002, and it was only brought to light when the young victim confided in his mother about the inappropriate touching. The mother described the emotional toll the abuse had taken on her son, noting feelings of anger and distress that continue to affect him. Police investigations followed, and Hole readily admitted his guilt, which was seen as a positive step in the legal process.

Later, in 2013, further allegations emerged involving a different victim, a boy aged 12 or 13 at the time. Hole was found to have sexually assaulted this teenager on multiple occasions. The court heard that the offenses came to light after the boy disclosed the abuse to his mother, prompting police intervention. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Hole had told the young victim not to inform his mother about the incidents, indicating a calculated attempt to conceal his actions. The defendant, then aged 29 and residing on Fairview Drive in Adlington, with previous ties to Horwich, pleaded guilty to charges including indecent assault, sexual assault of a child under 13, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

In his defense, Hole’s legal team highlighted that he had ceased his abusive behavior voluntarily, claiming that he made a 'New Year’s resolution' to stop the misconduct two months before the teenager spoke out. Despite this, the prosecution emphasized the severity of his crimes and their profound impact on the victims. The court, presided over by Judge Elliot Knopf, sentenced Hole to four years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with boys under 16 or residing in a property with a male under 18. A restraining order was also issued to prevent any contact with his victims, and he was barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Further judicial measures included placing him on the sex offenders’ register for life and imposing restrictions designed to prevent future offenses. The court’s decision reflected the gravity of his actions, but on appeal, the sentence was reduced. The Appeal Court, comprising Mr Justice Blake, Lord Justice Davis, and Judge Keith Cutler QC, acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes but also considered Hole’s early guilty plea, remorse, and insight into his conduct. They concluded that the original four-year sentence was excessive and reduced it to three years and three months. The appellate judges emphasized that Hole recognized the damage caused to his victims and had shown remorse, which influenced their decision to lessen his sentence.