RONALD KEOGH SENTENCED IN CROYDON FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Ronald Keogh, a 73-year-old man from Stanley Grove, West Croydon, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for sexually abusing a young girl more than 30 years ago. The incident, which took place in Croydon, was brought to light after the victim, who was only eight years old at the time, finally found the courage to come forward in 2006, revealing the long-standing abuse that had occurred over a period of more than five years.

Keogh appeared before Croydon Crown Court on January 8, where he faced charges of more than 20 counts of sexual molestation. He pleaded guilty to four of these charges, which led to his sentencing. As part of his punishment, he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. The remaining charges against him have been officially filed and are on record, but no further action has been taken on them at this time, according to police sources.

The Metropolitan Police, in a statement, explained the legal context of the case, noting that due to the laws in place at the time the offences occurred, Keogh's sentencing was constrained by legislation from the early 1970s. A police spokesperson stated, “Unfortunately because of the way the law works Mr Keogh had to be sentenced in line with sentencing from the early 70s when the offences took place. Had this happened today he would have been looking at serving a more substantial amount of time in jail.”

Christopher Wilson, an investigating officer from the Child Abuse Investigation Team based in Camberwell, emphasized the significance of the case and the sentencing. He remarked, “If Keogh had offended like this after 2003 he would have been looking at between seven and eleven years for what he did. The very fact that the judge gave Keogh, who is in ill-health and 73-years-old, half of the maximum sentence from the 1956 Sexual Offences Act shows how seriously this case was taken and speaks volumes. The sentence that Keogh was given is a reflection of the Metropolitan Police’s determination to protect the young and the vulnerable.”

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address historical abuse cases and underscores the importance of victims coming forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.