KEVIN SLATER FROM PONTEFRACT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN WEST YORKSHIRE

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Pontefract, Kevin Slater, a 23-year-old man, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting to multiple charges involving the sexual assault of a young boy and the possession of indecent images of children. The incident took place at an address in West Yorkshire last December, and the case was brought before Leeds Crown Court.

According to prosecutor Katherine Robinson, police officers seized Slater’s mobile phone during his arrest on suspicion of the sexual assault. A thorough examination of the device revealed a disturbing collection of over 200 indecent images of children. Among these, 83 images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of abuse, while 106 images fell into Category B, and 36 into Category C. These categories reflect the increasing severity and explicitness of the content.

Miss Robinson stated that Slater admitted to being attracted to boys aged between ten and fourteen, which provided context for his offending behavior. The court heard that the sexual assault involved a boy under the age of 13, and Slater pleaded guilty to this charge along with three counts of possessing indecent images of children.

During the sentencing, Recorder Paul Greaney QC noted that at the time of the offences, Slater was employed at a McDonald's restaurant and had opportunities to socialise, which may have facilitated his offending. The court was informed that Slater resided on Eastbourne Terrace in Pontefract.

In his remarks, Recorder Greaney emphasized the gravity of the crimes, particularly highlighting that some of the Category A images depicted very young children. He expressed concern over the psychological harm caused to the young boy victim and stated that such serious offending warrants a custodial sentence. Consequently, Slater was sentenced to 20 months in prison and was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, his name will be entered onto the Sex Offender Register for a period of ten years, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and abuse in the West Yorkshire area, particularly in communities like Pontefract where such disturbing crimes have come to light.