Phillip Lakey jailed for raping and sexually assaulting child

PHILLIP LAKEY JAILED FOR RAPING AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTING CHILD

A former owner of a laundrette has received a prison sentence exceeding twenty years after being convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a young girl at a residence.

Phillip Lakey was sentenced on charges including four counts of raping a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault against a child under 13 between 2019 and 2021, and six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child from 2021 to 2023, all on the same day.

The 63-year-old, residing on Ombersley Road in Worcester, appeared via video link from HMP Hewell at Worcester Crown Court and only confirmed his identity during the hearing.

Prosecutor Robert Ward explained that Lakey exploited the flat above the laundrette, Ace Linen, to abuse his victim over nearly four years.

During the court proceedings, a victim impact statement was read, describing how Lakey’s actions damaged her childhood, stating: "He knew I was vulnerable.

He used me in a way no adult should ever use a child.

I feel like I have been robbed of a normal childhood." Lakey was sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison, with an extra year on license, a 25-year order to prevent sexual harm, and a lifetime restraining order to keep him away from the victim.