LESLEY KEEBLE FROM IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT ON BOY IN DISTURBING CASE
In a case that has drawn significant attention in Ipswich, Leslie Keeble, a 68-year-old pensioner, was sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a young boy.The incident, which took place on September 16, 2002, involved Keeble luring a boy to his residence under the pretense of showing his pet parrot.
The court heard that the boy, along with friends also under the age of 16, visited Keeble's home, where the situation quickly took a disturbing turn.
Prosecutor Stephen Spence detailed that during the visit, the conversation shifted to sexual topics, and Keeble proceeded to indecently assault one of the boys.
The court was also informed that Keeble displayed a pornographic magazine and video to the boys and even offered to perform a sexual act on one of them.
As the boys prepared to leave, Keeble assaulted one of them again and handed each boy £2.50, an act that further compounded the seriousness of his misconduct.
The case was complicated by Keeble's health issues, which caused delays in proceedings.
Notably, in November of the previous year, Keeble was hospitalized in intensive care at Ipswich Hospital following a stroke.
During the court hearing, Keeble was provided with a hearing aid, as he claimed that an industrial accident had left him profoundly deaf, which was a factor considered during the trial.
Leslie Keeble resided in Ipswich and was living with his sister at the time of the offenses.
The court heard that he initially denied one of the charges but admitted to another, which was subsequently ordered to lie on file.
The prosecutor emphasized that Keeble's actions indicated a clear intent to engage in a sexual encounter, and the judge, John Holt, remarked that this was not a fleeting incident but a deliberate act.
Judge Holt ordered Keeble to register as a sex offender for ten years.
He also mandated that Keeble serve half of his nine-month sentence in custody, with the remaining period to be served on license, which was extended to three years.
The court's decision underscores the gravity of the offense and the need for ongoing supervision to protect the community from potential harm.
