SHAMUS KEOGH'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LUTON: JUDGES UPHOLD 15-MONTH SENTENCE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Luton, Shamus Keogh, a 29-year-old man, was recently subjected to a rigorous judicial review after his conviction for a serious sexual assault on a sleeping 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in August 2015, resulted in Keogh being sentenced to 15 months in prison at Luton Crown Court. The court heard that Keogh, who was intoxicated at the time, targeted the young girl while she was asleep, engaging in a sustained and disturbing assault that left her deeply traumatized.

According to court reports, the victim awoke to find Keogh, a burly man, kissing and groping her without her consent. The judge, Mr. Justice Kenneth Parker, described the attack as “sustained,” emphasizing the severity and brutality of the assault. The young girl was terrified during the ordeal, and the psychological scars have persisted long after the incident. She has required ongoing counseling to cope with the emotional aftermath, and she has expressed that she believes she will “never get over it,” a sentiment that deeply resonated with the court.

Keogh, who resides on Peregrine Road in Luton, was found to have been heavily intoxicated on vodka during the attack. His legal representatives argued that the sentence handed down was excessively harsh and claimed that Keogh had been led to believe he might receive a suspended sentence if he admitted guilt. However, the appeal court, comprising Mr. Justice Parker and Mrs. Justice Elisabeth Laing, upheld the original sentence, stating that the judge at the Crown Court had made it clear that he was considering all factors carefully and had not predetermined the outcome.

The judges highlighted that the victim’s statement played a significant role in the sentencing decision, revealing the profound psychological impact the assault had inflicted. They noted that Keogh demonstrated limited insight into the harm caused and, at times, even disparaged his victim in an attempt to portray himself more favorably. Furthermore, Keogh had denied having any sexual interest in the teenager, which the court found to be inconsistent with the evidence and the gravity of his actions.

In dismissing the appeal, Mr. Justice Parker reaffirmed that the original sentence was appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. He emphasized that the punishment reflected the severity of the crime and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victim. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions, regardless of intoxication or other mitigating factors.