KIERON KEEBLE AND SHOCKING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN OXFORD
A former city council employee in Oxford has been convicted of serious sexual misconduct involving a female colleague, leading to widespread condemnation and a significant legal response.Kieron Keeble, aged 63, was found guilty by a jury at Oxford Crown Court on three counts, including outraging public decency and two charges of sexual assault through inappropriate touching.
The incident that led to his conviction occurred in July 2018 during a walk around Christ Church Meadow.
The court heard that Keeble used his mobile phone to secretly take a photograph up his younger female colleague’s skirt while she paused to take a picture of a squirrel.
The woman, shocked and distressed, asked him to delete the image.
Keeble claimed he had taken the photograph as a prank, but later, the victim discovered him viewing the explicit photo on his phone.
During the trial, it was revealed that Keeble also made inappropriate physical contact by squeezing her bottom and stroking her leg.
According to the court proceedings, Keeble had told the woman he intended to go to the town hall toilets to perform a sex act on himself, further illustrating his misconduct.
The jury unanimously convicted him on all three charges, recognizing the severity of his actions.
The victim, in an impact statement read aloud in court, described the profound effect the incident had on her mental health.
She explained that she felt compelled to leave Oxfordshire after reporting the assault, expressing her disappointment with the city council’s response.
She stated, “I felt they weren’t protecting me,” and added that she experienced frequent anxiety attacks related to the incident, which had left her feeling unsafe and vulnerable.
In sentencing, Judge Michael Gledhill QC opted for a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
The judge emphasized that Keeble’s actions were not a mere prank but deliberate and malicious.
He criticized Keeble for lying about the circumstances and pointed out that the photograph was taken intentionally.
The judge also condemned Keeble’s behavior as “shocking and quite frankly disgusting,” especially given his previous good character and standing as a hardworking individual.
Addressing Keeble directly, Judge Gledhill remarked, “It’s appalling to see a man of your background, a hardworking man of previous good character standing in the dock of this court aged 63.
Your behavior towards your colleague was shocking and quite frankly disgusting.
You made her life intolerable.” The judge highlighted the victim’s distress and the emotional toll the incident had taken on her, noting her reliving the ordeal during her testimony.
The court also observed the impact on Keeble’s family, including his wife, daughter, and son, who had been present during the proceedings.
The judge described Keeble as a “pervert,” a term that underscored the gravity of his misconduct.
He further stated that Keeble’s personal and professional reputation had been severely damaged, and questioned how those who had previously supported him with character references would react upon learning the full extent of his actions.
Despite the seriousness of the offenses, the judge decided against immediate imprisonment, citing Keeble’s lack of prior convictions, his family’s support, and the fact that the offenses were committed some years ago.
Keeble will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years, pay £1,000 in compensation to his victim, and cover legal costs amounting to £3,500.
Additionally, a restraining order has been issued, prohibiting him from contacting the victim for five years.
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Oxford City Council issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to high standards of conduct among their staff.
The council confirmed that Keeble was suspended immediately after the incident was reported and subsequently resigned in 2019 during the ongoing investigation.
The council concluded that the investigation found him guilty of gross misconduct, emphasizing their stance on maintaining integrity and safety within their workforce.
