DAVE KEENE OF DRAYCOTT SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN GLOUCESTER

In a harrowing case that spanned over a quarter of a century, David Keene, a 61-year-old man from Draycott, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving five young girls. The lengthy and detailed trial took place at Gloucester Crown Court, where a jury composed of seven men and five women reached a unanimous verdict after a week of intense proceedings.

Keene faced a total of 18 charges, which included nine counts of indecent assault, six counts of rape of a female under the age of 16, one count of attempted rape of a female under 16, and one count of indecency with a child. The offences spanned from the 1970s through the 1990s, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years.

As the verdicts were announced, Keene, who was present in the courtroom, reacted vocally from the dock, exclaiming, “It is outrageous.” His outburst underscored his disbelief and frustration at the outcome of the trial. The presiding judge, Recorder Paul Dunkels QC, addressed Keene during sentencing, describing him as “an offender of particular concern,” emphasizing the gravity of his crimes.

The prosecution, led by James Haskell, provided a comprehensive account of Keene’s offending history. He explained that the initial abuse involved three girls in the 1970s, but Keene’s misconduct did not cease there. When opportunities to abuse were limited, he sought out new victims, demonstrating a persistent and calculated pattern of predatory behavior.

One of the victims, who was only three or four years old in the 1990s, testified about her abuse, revealing the disturbing extent of Keene’s actions. The evidence detailed how Keene’s inappropriate conduct extended to another girl, with the abuse becoming increasingly frequent and severe over time.

The case involved five women who came forward with allegations against Keene. The prosecution described how Keene would visit the homes of some victims, or they would visit his, often when they were around 15 or 16 years old. One girl recounted how Keene would take her for walks in a location she called “Uplands,” during which he would sexually assault her. She remembered that during these walks, he would take her a different route, which she later realized was a deliberate attempt to isolate her.

Further details revealed that Keene threatened the victims to keep their silence, manipulating their fears to maintain control. One girl, aged 11, was assaulted in a barn near Bisley, during the summer, where she was raped for the first time. She recounted how, during subsequent visits, the assaults continued, often happening once or twice a week over the course of a year. Keene also took her to Rodborough Common, where he raped her again.

In addition to these victims, Keene was accused of abusing two younger girls, including a girl he raped when she was just a child of three or four. Another girl, who was only 10 at the time, also made allegations against him. The case further detailed the abuse of a girl who was approximately four years old when the misconduct began.

Following the allegations, Keene was arrested and taken into police custody. During police interviews, he vehemently denied all accusations, claiming he had never engaged in any sexual misconduct. When questioned about why the victims might have fabricated their stories, Keene suggested that a personal falling-out over a stolen Kindle from her husband was a motive, attempting to cast doubt on the allegations.

In his defense, Keene insisted, “It never happened. Never. I didn’t rape anybody.” During cross-examination, he challenged the credibility of the victims, stating, “You keep painting these disgusting things — it doesn’t make them true.” He repeatedly denied any involvement in the crimes, asserting, “I have never raped anybody. I never raped anybody anywhere.”

Despite his denials, the jury deliberated for just under four and a half hours before returning a verdict of guilty on all counts. The judge, in sentencing Keene, highlighted the severity and duration of his offending. He noted that Keene’s sexual misconduct began when he was just 15 years old, with the first victim being raped regularly by the time she was 13, continuing until she was 15. The judge pointed out that the abuse resumed in Keene’s mid-thirties, affecting two additional victims, with profound and lasting impacts.

Keene was sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison, with an extended license period of one year. The judge warned that Keene would only be released when the parole board deems it safe to do so, emphasizing the need for public protection. Additionally, Keene was ordered to sign the sex offender register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities after his release.

This case underscores the devastating effects of long-term sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims who endured Keene’s predatory actions over decades in and around Draycott and Gloucester.