KEVIN LANE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN NEWQUAY: DECADES OF ABUSE EXPOSED AND JUSTICE SERVED

In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Newquay, Kevin Lane, aged 56, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls over a span of more than twenty years. The lengthy and disturbing history of abuse was brought to light during a trial at Truro Crown Court, where Lane faced a total of 13 counts related to sexual misconduct involving minors.

Lane, who resides on Bayview Terrace in Newquay, vehemently denied all allegations throughout the proceedings. However, the jury, after careful deliberation, found him guilty of 11 of the charges. One count of rape was dismissed, and he was acquitted of an additional sexual assault charge against a child. The court's decision marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims, whose identities remain protected under legal provisions.

Judge Christopher Elwen, presiding over the case, delivered a stern verdict, condemning Lane’s actions as among the most vile crimes in the criminal calendar. As the sentence was announced, Lane, flanked by three security guards, maintained a stoic and emotionless demeanor. Family members of the victims watched silently as he was led away to begin serving his prison term.

Judge Elwen sentenced Lane to 12 years in prison, with the understanding that he would likely serve approximately half of that time before being eligible for release on license. The 117 days Lane had already spent in custody would be deducted from his sentence. Additionally, Lane was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a requirement that entails strict supervision and restrictions upon his release. He will only be permitted contact with children under 16 under close supervision, and such contact must be approved by parents or guardians aware of his conviction.

The trial also revealed that Lane had a prior conviction for sexual offenses against children. In late 1984, allegations of child sexual abuse were made against him. The following year, Lane admitted to three counts of indecent assault and received a probation sentence for two years. Prosecutor Mark Whitehall detailed how Lane’s offenses came to light following a sex education class at a school in Cornwall, where a girl confided in her headteacher that she had been abused by Lane since she was six years old. This disclosure prompted a police investigation involving child protection units and social services, uncovering a pattern of abuse spanning more than two decades.

Whitehall explained to the jury that Lane had systematically sexually abused the girls involved, including engaging in full sexual intercourse with them. The evidence showed that Lane had abused one girl and then another, with both instances involving full sexual acts. The defense, represented by Geoffrey Mercer, acknowledged the severity of Lane’s actions but did not offer mitigation for his conduct.

Following the conviction, DC Garry Hainsworth of the Devon and Cornwall Child Protection Team expressed relief and satisfaction with the jury’s decision. He stated, “This has been a long and difficult case for everyone involved, and we are extremely pleased that the jury believed the victims. They reached the right decision.”

Regarding the legal implications, a police spokesman clarified that Lane’s initial 1984 conviction would not have appeared on the Sex Offenders’ Register, as it was established in September 1997. The register contains details of individuals convicted, cautioned, or released from prison for sexual offenses after that date. The spokesman emphasized the importance of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa), introduced in 2001, which involves police, probation, and prison services working together to monitor sex offenders and prevent further crimes.

In summary, the case of Kevin Lane has highlighted the importance of vigilant monitoring and the legal measures in place to protect children from known offenders. The community of Newquay can now find some measure of closure, knowing that justice has been served for the victims of Lane’s prolonged and disturbing abuse.