RYAN KITCHEN SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOY
A judge today expressed confidence in a jury's decision to convict Ryan Kitchen, 26, of Strafford Drive, Bootle, of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving a young boy.During the trial last month, Kitchen denied the allegations, claiming the child was lying.
However, after hearing evidence from both Kitchen and the victim, the jury unanimously found Kitchen guilty of six counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child.
He was acquitted of one additional count of sexual assault.
Judge Garrett Byrne commented, "You continue to deny the offences and seek to blame others for the situation you find yourself in.
Having seen the evidence of the boy during the trial, I have no doubt the jury's verdicts were correct." The judge sentenced Kitchen to eight years in prison.
The sentencing provoked a reaction from one supporter in the public gallery, questioning, "Seriously?" before expressing anger with, "F***ing lies.
Send an innocent man to jail, all for lies." During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Kitchen engaged in repeated sexual acts with the boy—both over and under his clothing—and attempted to incite the child to touch his genitals, additionally performing sexual acts in front of him.
Supporters of the victim, including his mother, filled one gallery, while ten of Kitchen's supporters sat in another.
The boy's mother described her shock upon learning of the abuse, stating, "When my son confided in me about Kitchen's sexual abuse, my whole body went cold with shock." Prosecutor David Polglase read her statement, highlighting her own feelings of "anger and resentment" towards Kitchen and revealing her hope to eventually channel these emotions more productively.
She also detailed the impact on her son, who endured days of crying, deteriorated mental health, and even expressed suicidal thoughts.
She said, "Before the verdicts, he kept saying if they weren't guilty, it meant people thought he was lying." The mother expressed ongoing fears, adding, "I'm in constant fear that he will actually follow through with his threats to kill himself." The victim's father also provided a statement, sharing his despair and hope that Kitchen understands the damage done, saying, "I hope that Ryan Kitchen realises he's destroyed my son's life.
He's totally obliterated his trust in people." The mother was visibly emotional, crying as her husband's statement was read and being comforted by family members.
Defence solicitor Nick Cockrell highlighted Kitchen's clean record and the nearly 30 character references submitted to the court, which depicted him positively.
He acknowledged these references but noted that they must be considered alongside the jury's verdict.
He also mentioned a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, stating, "Where there have been convictions after trial, convictions which it's clear from the report are still denied and disputed by Mr.
Kitchen, it does make such a document difficult in the circumstances." He urged the judge to impose a custodial sentence, emphasizing that Kitchen was still young, and this would be his first prison term, requesting consideration of conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judge Byrne detailed that the jury found Kitchen guilty of eight counts, covering a total of 20 separate instances of sexual abuse involving the boy.
The judge accused Kitchen of exploiting a vulnerable situation for his own sexual gratification, describing the offences as "deliberate and cynical".
He noted the significant negative effect on the child's mental health, recalling the boy's own words, "Why, why is he doing this?" and his feelings of anger and despair.
Although Kitchen's good character was acknowledged through many positive references, the judge highlighted that his prior conduct did not mitigate the seriousness of the crimes.
"I've read all the references," said Byrne.
"Many people spoke highly of you, describing your positive influence, your caring nature, and your work ethic.
I also considered the moving letter from your parents and the impact the sentence will have on your family." When sentenced, Kitchen showed no emotion, provoking an outburst from a female supporter who swore as she left the courtroom.
A male supporter was seen sobbing and was consoled by others.
As part of his sentence, Kitchen must comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, register as a sex offender for life, and is subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victim or his family.
Judge Byrne's ruling reflected the seriousness of the crimes and the need to protect the community.
