KEVIN MELNYK FROM BAGSHOT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN GUILDFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bagshot, Kevin Melnyk, a well-known businessman and salon owner, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The incident took place at Melnyk's residence in Dukes Covert, Bagshot, in December 2008, and the court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the assault.

On Monday morning, Melnyk appeared before Guildford Crown Court, where he maintained his innocence despite the overwhelming evidence against him. His defense team argued for a more lenient sentence, suggesting that a suspended term might be appropriate given his previously good character. However, Judge Neil Stewart was clear in his judgment, dismissing these appeals and emphasizing the severity of the crime.

Judge Stewart stated, "It seems to me the most serious aggravating factor is your relative ages, she was just 14 and you were in your mid-40s. Setting that aside, this was a single incident by a person of previously good character. However, the sentence can be no less than three years."

Melnyk was convicted on August 3 after a week-long trial, during which the court heard harrowing details of the assault. The victim, a teenage girl, had been staying overnight at Melnyk's home. It was reported that Melnyk had been drinking at a party with his wife earlier that evening, and after returning home, he stayed up to watch television with the girl. During this time, he began touching her and attempted to undo her bra. Later, he returned to the room where she was sleeping on an inflatable bed and committed the abuse.

The court was told that the girl pretended to be asleep during the assault, feeling unsure of how to react to the situation. Her silence and fear highlighted the trauma she endured.

Representing Melnyk, his solicitor Kier Monteif described him as a responsible local businessman who provided employment for many in the community. Despite the conviction, Monteif noted that Melnyk's family and friends had written character references supporting him. He emphasized that the guilty verdict had caused significant distress to Melnyk's loved ones and that the defendant had been subjected to death threats since the trial.

Monteif also pointed out that pre-sentence reports indicated Melnyk posed a low risk of re-offending and did not present a threat to society. He insisted that Melnyk had been a man of good character prior to the incident and maintained his innocence throughout the legal process, asserting his intention to appeal the conviction.

As the sentence was handed down, members of Melnyk's family, present in court, were visibly distressed, breaking down in tears. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Bagshot, raising questions about safety, trust, and the consequences of such serious allegations.