NICHOLAS MCKEOWN, PLYMOUTH'S DISGRACED EX-MAJOR AND CHILD ABUSE CONVICT, REVEALED AT LOCAL KARTING ARENA
In a startling revelation, Nicholas McKeown, a man with a deeply troubling past, has been identified as the owner and operator of a popular children's karting and combat gaming venue located in Plymouth.McKeown, who currently resides at Royal William Yard in Stonehouse, Plymouth, was once a decorated army major and was awarded an MBE in 1997.
However, his reputation was irrevocably tarnished following his conviction for possessing and creating indecent images of children, a crime that led to his imprisonment in 2007.
McKeown's criminal record includes a conviction for possessing a staggering 4,658 child abuse images, some of which depicted the most severe forms of exploitation.
The images ranged from infants to young girls up to ten years old, as well as children in their early teens.
During court proceedings, McKeown admitted to having a fetish for girls in uniform, a detail that added to the gravity of his offenses.
His conviction resulted in an 18-month jail sentence, and his MBE was revoked in 2008, a clear indication of the severity of his crimes and the subsequent loss of his honor.
Despite his criminal past, McKeown has managed to reintegrate into the local community, operating a business that attracts families and children.
Recently, an undercover photographer visited the Plymouth-based karting center, which was bustling with families enjoying a day out.
To the casual observer, McKeown appeared as a regular businessman, casually wandering among the visitors.
At one point, he was seen sitting at the reception area, welcoming guests, including young children, with a friendly demeanor.
This stark contrast between his past and present has raised concerns among community members and observers who remain unaware of his history.
McKeown's presence in Plymouth has been notable, as he has mingled with local celebrities and sports figures.
He has been seen socializing with Nicholas Hamilton, the half-brother of Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, during events such as the Mercedes-Benz South West karting challenge, which also involved Plymouth Argyle football club and Plymouth Albion Rugby Club.
Additionally, Nick Ponting, known for holding the UK land speed record, has visited his establishment.
Until now, McKeown's dark past had been kept under wraps, with no public indication of his previous convictions.
His history as a convicted child abuser was publicly documented in December 2007, when he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
The court heard that McKeown, then aged 48, was a helicopter pilot and trainer based at RAF Waddington, with a distinguished military career that included service in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.
He was also a member of the Blue Eagles helicopter display team and was known for risking his life to save fellow servicemen, even running across a minefield during a rescue operation involving a crashed and burning Lynx helicopter.
The police investigation that led to his conviction was initiated after German authorities advised Lincolnshire Police to search his home in Bracebridge Heath, Lincolnshire.
During the search, officers discovered not only child abuse images but also adult pornography on his computer.
The images included explicit photographs of babies and young children, with more than fifty classified as the most severe level of abuse.
McKeown admitted to 14 charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children, claiming that his actions were driven by a sexual curiosity and fetish for girls in uniform.
Judge Michael Heath, presiding over the case, condemned McKeown's actions, stating, "You have explained what you did by saying you were exploring your sexuality.
In doing that, you downloaded images of young children and those young children were grossly abused." The case highlighted the disturbing contrast between McKeown's military heroism and his heinous criminal activities, which have now resurfaced in the public eye through his current business operations in Plymouth.
