MARTIN MCKEON LAUNCESTON CHILD RAPIST SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN CORNWALL COURT

In December 2009, a man named Martin McKeon, residing in Launceston at the time of the offenses, was convicted of heinous crimes involving sexual assault against two young girls in Cornwall. The court sentenced him to a lengthy prison term of 16 years, with a minimum of eight years before he becomes eligible for parole. Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

McKeon, aged 37, was found guilty after an eight-day trial earlier that year. His convictions included three counts of rape, two counts of indecency with a child, one count of sexual assault on a child under 13, and one count of indecent assault. He was acquitted of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that McKeon, who worked in the building trade, had no fixed address at the time of the trial.

During proceedings, McKeon attempted to undermine the credibility of his victims by claiming that he had tattoos on the front of his thighs, which he believed would serve as evidence that he could not have committed the crimes. He argued that if he had been responsible, the girls would have recognized the tattoos. However, the prosecution presented evidence that contradicted his claims. It was revealed that while awaiting trial in prison, McKeon had obtained tattoos on his thighs from a fellow inmate, a tattooist who testified to this fact.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Christopher Elwen addressed McKeon directly. He condemned McKeon’s attempt to fabricate evidence, describing it as an 'ultimate lie' that was particularly malicious. The judge emphasized that the tattoos did indeed exist, as confirmed by the tattooist, and that they had been inked just weeks before the trial. Judge Elwen stated that McKeon’s actions to create false evidence were among the most sinister acts imaginable, designed to avoid conviction and to falsely portray himself as innocent. Such deception, the judge argued, would have caused further psychological harm to the victims and tarnished their reputations.

Judge Elwen described McKeon as an 'evil, deviant and deceitful individual' who fits the statutory definition of a dangerous offender. He highlighted that pre-sentence reports indicated McKeon posed a high risk of re-offending, citing his history of violent relationships and the nature of his crimes. The judge noted that the offenses involved a planned and sustained assault over several years, and criticized McKeon’s lack of empathy for his victims. Instead, he perceived himself as a victim of others’ schemes, which further underscored his dangerousness.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Pete Found commended the bravery of the two young girls who had endured these serious crimes. He expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting the public from individuals like McKeon. Detective Sergeant Found described McKeon as a highly dangerous man who showed no remorse or empathy for his victims. The courage demonstrated by the girls in coming forward and participating in the legal process was also acknowledged, recognizing their strength in facing such traumatic experiences despite the difficulties involved.