KEVIN LANGFORD SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS IN LUTON FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
A man identified as Kevin Langford, 54, who has no fixed address, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for profoundly disturbing sexual abuse that spanned six years, beginning when his victim was only 12 years old.Langford was sentenced on July 5 after being convicted on 29 charges in a court hearing held in May.
The abuse occurred while he was residing in Wootton.
Langford had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child and was found guilty on additional charges, including possession and distribution of indecent images of children, encouraging or inciting a child into prostitution or pornography, and trafficking a person out of the UK for sexual exploitation.
At Luton Crown Court, the jury was told how the abuse began when the victim was just 12 years old.
The court heard that Langford repeatedly assaulted her and coerced her into participating in sexual activities.
As she grew older, he forced her to pose provocatively for photographs, which he then posted on an adult website claiming she was 18.
He also took her to hotels to have sexual encounters with other men, including an overseas trip.
One of the men filmed the victim during one such encounter, and Langford used this footage as a threat to keep her silent.
The victim came forward in April 2017, disclosing to police the abuse she had suffered over the previous six years.
Det.
Constable Jenny Bryce expressed her relief at the substantial sentence, saying, "I am delighted that Langford has received such a substantial custodial sentence as he not only subjected his victim to years of sexual abuse, but he also exploited her in the most horrendous way by advertising her online to strangers." Bryce praised the bravery of the victim, stating, "I can't praise the bravery of the victim enough for coming forward and disclosing all of Langford's sickening actions.
I hope this sentence can serve as some kind of closure for her so she can move on with her life." She emphasized the seriousness of child sexual abuse, declaring, "Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and it will never be tolerated in our country.
We are committed to tackling these sickening individuals and ensuring that they are made to pay for their actions."
