MARK KESSEY FROM MATCHBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN WORCESTER
| Red Rose Database
Matchborough Sexual Abuser
In September 2007, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Kessey, a 43-year-old man from Easenhall Lane, Matchborough, who engaged in a calculated attempt to groom a teenage girl from a Redditch school. The incident revealed a pattern of manipulative behavior that caused significant distress to the young victim and drew the attention of law enforcement authorities.
According to court proceedings at Worcester Crown Court, Kessey, an army cadet instructor, devised a deceptive plan to lure the girl out of her school premises. He posed as a 15-year-old girl’s father during a phone call, claiming that she had a morning dental appointment. This ruse was intended to create a sense of familiarity and trust, but the girl, being perceptive and cautious, became suspicious of his intentions. Recognizing the potential danger, she asked a fellow student from her class to accompany her when she left the school grounds, demonstrating her awareness and self-protection instincts.
Despite her refusal to meet him directly, Kessey persisted in his attempts to contact her. Over the course of eight days, he sent the girl sexually suggestive emails and text messages, crossing boundaries that should never be breached. His inappropriate conduct extended beyond digital communication, as he made two visits to her home. However, he never entered her residence, possibly to avoid immediate detection or legal repercussions. His actions, however, were enough to warrant serious concern and subsequent legal action.
Prosecutor Gareth Walters outlined that Kessey, a father of four, had engaged in a pattern of grooming behavior that culminated in his arrest. The police investigation uncovered pornographic magazines in his van, further indicating his inappropriate interests. The girl eventually disclosed Kessey’s conduct to a teacher, who promptly alerted the authorities. Kessey was arrested on January 20, and during police interviews, he admitted to having an infatuation with the girl. Yet, he struggled to justify his actions, acknowledging that he had a “lovely house, wife and kids,” which made his behavior even more troubling.
During the court hearing, Kessey pleaded guilty to charges of sexual grooming. Judge Richard Rundell addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on the victim. He stated that Kessey had caused her “untold distress” for his own gratification and that his conduct was “disgraceful.” While recognizing the severity of the offense, the judge also considered Kessey’s lack of prior convictions and the potential hardship that a custodial sentence might impose on his family. Consequently, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to complete a sex offenders’ program, register as a sex offender for five years, and refrain from any contact with children under 16 during that period. Additionally, Kessey was ordered to pay £750 in court costs.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Rundell condemned Kessey’s behavior, urging him to feel shame for his actions. The judge highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, referencing a statement from her teacher that detailed her upset and distress caused by Kessey’s approaches. Kessey’s conduct also included sending a text message to the girl asking whether she was interested in sex and whether her parents were out, further illustrating his predatory intent. The girl responded with joking texts, warning that people might label him a “paedo” and noting that his marriage was too good to risk for a secret affair.
Following his arrest, Kessey expressed remorse and admitted to his inappropriate behavior. He also threatened suicide when the girl refused to get into his van outside her school and repeated this threat when his actions came to light. His defense lawyer, James Dunstan, acknowledged that Kessey’s conduct was “despicable,” but also pointed out that he had become infatuated rather than simply preying on the girl. Dunstan explained that Kessey had been depressed at the time of the offense, had since resigned from his role as a cadet instructor, and had not used gifts or threats to manipulate the girl. He emphasized that Kessey was honest with police and had made a full admission of guilt, suggesting that his actions stemmed from infatuation rather than predatory intent.
According to court proceedings at Worcester Crown Court, Kessey, an army cadet instructor, devised a deceptive plan to lure the girl out of her school premises. He posed as a 15-year-old girl’s father during a phone call, claiming that she had a morning dental appointment. This ruse was intended to create a sense of familiarity and trust, but the girl, being perceptive and cautious, became suspicious of his intentions. Recognizing the potential danger, she asked a fellow student from her class to accompany her when she left the school grounds, demonstrating her awareness and self-protection instincts.
Despite her refusal to meet him directly, Kessey persisted in his attempts to contact her. Over the course of eight days, he sent the girl sexually suggestive emails and text messages, crossing boundaries that should never be breached. His inappropriate conduct extended beyond digital communication, as he made two visits to her home. However, he never entered her residence, possibly to avoid immediate detection or legal repercussions. His actions, however, were enough to warrant serious concern and subsequent legal action.
Prosecutor Gareth Walters outlined that Kessey, a father of four, had engaged in a pattern of grooming behavior that culminated in his arrest. The police investigation uncovered pornographic magazines in his van, further indicating his inappropriate interests. The girl eventually disclosed Kessey’s conduct to a teacher, who promptly alerted the authorities. Kessey was arrested on January 20, and during police interviews, he admitted to having an infatuation with the girl. Yet, he struggled to justify his actions, acknowledging that he had a “lovely house, wife and kids,” which made his behavior even more troubling.
During the court hearing, Kessey pleaded guilty to charges of sexual grooming. Judge Richard Rundell addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on the victim. He stated that Kessey had caused her “untold distress” for his own gratification and that his conduct was “disgraceful.” While recognizing the severity of the offense, the judge also considered Kessey’s lack of prior convictions and the potential hardship that a custodial sentence might impose on his family. Consequently, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to complete a sex offenders’ program, register as a sex offender for five years, and refrain from any contact with children under 16 during that period. Additionally, Kessey was ordered to pay £750 in court costs.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Rundell condemned Kessey’s behavior, urging him to feel shame for his actions. The judge highlighted the emotional toll on the victim, referencing a statement from her teacher that detailed her upset and distress caused by Kessey’s approaches. Kessey’s conduct also included sending a text message to the girl asking whether she was interested in sex and whether her parents were out, further illustrating his predatory intent. The girl responded with joking texts, warning that people might label him a “paedo” and noting that his marriage was too good to risk for a secret affair.
Following his arrest, Kessey expressed remorse and admitted to his inappropriate behavior. He also threatened suicide when the girl refused to get into his van outside her school and repeated this threat when his actions came to light. His defense lawyer, James Dunstan, acknowledged that Kessey’s conduct was “despicable,” but also pointed out that he had become infatuated rather than simply preying on the girl. Dunstan explained that Kessey had been depressed at the time of the offense, had since resigned from his role as a cadet instructor, and had not used gifts or threats to manipulate the girl. He emphasized that Kessey was honest with police and had made a full admission of guilt, suggesting that his actions stemmed from infatuation rather than predatory intent.