SHAUN KEENAN FROM DEWSBURY FAILS APPEAL OVER SEXUAL OFFENSE IN FRONT OF CHILD

In October 2013, a serious legal case involving Shaun Richard Keenan, a resident of Dewsbury, reached a critical juncture as he failed to overturn his conviction in an appeal. Keenan, aged 45 at the time, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by Leeds Crown Court in July of the previous year after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a young girl.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Keenan, who resides on West Park Street in Dewsbury, had played with himself openly in front of a girl under the age of 10. The court heard that the incident took place in a public or semi-public setting, which led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. Throughout the trial, Keenan maintained his innocence, vehemently denying the allegations and asserting that “the event simply didn’t take place.”

Following his conviction, Keenan sought to challenge both the verdict and the sentence handed down by the court. His legal team took the case to London’s Appeal Court, arguing that there were procedural errors and that the sentence was excessive. However, the appeal was unsuccessful. Mr Justice Jay, presiding over the case alongside Lord Justice Laws and Mr Justice Blake, stated that there was “no tenable basis for holding the sentence to be manifestly excessive,” effectively upholding the original punishment.

One of the key points of contention in the appeal was whether the trial judge had adequately instructed the jury on how to treat the victim’s testimony, given her young age. Keenan’s lawyers argued that the judge failed to warn the jury properly about the need for caution when considering the girl’s evidence. Nonetheless, Mr Justice Jay dismissed these claims, affirming that the trial judge had provided “entirely appropriate directions” to the jury, and that the conviction was sound.

Ultimately, the appeal was rejected, and Shaun Keenan remains convicted of the serious offense committed in Dewsbury. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of thorough judicial procedures in cases involving vulnerable witnesses.