COLIN KNIGHT OF LITTLE SHELFORD SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON YOUNG GIRLS

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Little Shelford, Colin Knight, aged 70, was officially sentenced to serve six years in prison for a long history of sexual abuse against young girls spanning over 25 years. The court also mandated that Knight, a resident of Hauxton Road in Little Shelford, be placed on an extended licence for an additional four years and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for the remainder of his life.

Cambridge Crown Court heard harrowing details of Knight’s criminal conduct, which included a series of disturbing acts dating back to the 1970s. The court was informed that Knight had lured his victims into his private garden shed and taken them to isolated fields where he committed his heinous acts. The abuse was not limited to a single incident but was part of a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over decades.

One of the most disturbing revelations was that during the 1990s, Knight engaged in a sexual relationship with a girl who was only nine years old at the time. This relationship continued until she reached the age of 14, highlighting the extent of his predatory conduct. Despite the evidence presented, Knight maintained his innocence, denying all allegations of abuse. However, after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court last month, a jury found him guilty on 18 counts related to the abuse.

Judge Jonathan Howarth, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence upon Knight’s conviction. He emphasized the extensive duration of the abuse, stating, “The time span covered some 25 years. During that time, you progressively used young girls and you did so to satisfy your own sexual needs, giving no thoughts whatsoever of the impact on these young girls.” The judge further expressed concern about Knight’s ongoing threat to society, particularly to young girls, and declared that he would remain in custody or under strict supervision for the rest of his natural life.

During the sentencing, Charles Kellett, Knight’s defense lawyer, highlighted that Knight still had the support of his family, who were present in court to witness the proceedings. Kellett described Knight as a hardworking individual who had cared for his family, attempting to present a different side of the defendant amid the serious charges.

Outside the court, the victim, who had endured years of trauma, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She stated, “I think justice has been done; we have got the result we wanted and he is going to prison.” She also voiced her frustration, saying, “He doesn’t realize the effect he has had on all of our lives. He doesn’t believe he has done anything wrong.”

Detective Sergeant Darryl Preston, one of the officers involved in the investigation, commented on the significance of the sentence, saying, “The sentence will serve its purpose of keeping him away from the public, and young girls in particular, for the rest of his life.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Little Shelford, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.