KEVIN MASTERS, KARAOKE DJ FROM HOLSWORTHY, SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE

In August 2012, a karaoke operator from Holsworthy was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of grooming and sexually abusing two boys encountered during his work at a local disco.

Kevin Masters, aged 42, was found to have abused two different boys over nearly a decade, causing enduring psychological trauma. Exeter Crown Court heard that he operated 'Kev's Karaoke,' a business providing entertainment at children's parties.

Masters, of Glebe Meadow in Holsworthy, befriended a 13-year-old boy while managing the karaoke sessions. He also developed a relationship with an 11-year-old boy while babysitting him, coercing the child into increasingly serious sexual acts.

He pleaded guilty to five sexual assaults against one boy between 1989 and 1992, and seven against the other between 1994 and 1997.

During the sentencing, Recorder Mr. Andrew Oldland commented, "You inveigled your way into the trust of these boys and their parents and groomed both, gradually introducing each to sexual activity. When this activity started, the boys were not old enough to fully understand what was happening or to resist your advances, as you were an adult in your twenties and they were children or adolescents."

He continued, "Once you had corrupted them and gained control, you continued offending as they grew older. Both victims described feeling unable to disappoint you when sexual activity was initiated, highlighting your manipulative behavior. Your actions have had a profound impact—one victim described feeling dirty and disgusted, with long-lasting effects on his life and relationships, including turning to alcohol and attempting suicide. The other victim expressed shame and self-blame, though he was not at fault."

The judge emphasized that these were multiple offenses over an extended period against relatively young victims.

Christopher Andrews, representing the defense, stated that Masters was deeply remorseful and understood he deserved punishment. He explained that Masters had met one of the victims ten years prior and was so disturbed by the account of the abuse’s impact that he now had no interest in sexual relationships. Andrews also emphasized that all activities were consensual and that there were no threats or intimidation to prevent the boys from disclosing the abuse.

He added, "He was in his early twenties when this started, and there was an element of adolescent experimentation."