DAVID KELLET SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA AND SOUTHAMPTON

In a case that has left a lasting scar on the victim’s life, David Sydney Kellett, aged 75, of Sycamore Drive, Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the early to mid-1990s. The court proceedings, held at Southampton Crown Court, revealed the disturbing details of Kellett’s actions and the profound impact they have had on the victim’s mental health and personal relationships.

On August 14, 2023, Kellett was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14, and two counts of attempted rape of a girl under 16. He was acquitted of one additional count of indecent assault. The crimes took place over a three-year period, from 1993 to 1996, and the victim, now an adult, bravely shared her personal statement during the trial, describing the long-lasting effects of Kellett’s abuse.

The woman recounted how her childhood was shattered by Kellett’s actions, which she described as a “three-year reign of terror.” She expressed that her life had been profoundly altered, with the trauma affecting her relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. She detailed how the memories of her abuse continue to haunt her, often manifesting as nightmares where her own children are subjected to similar abuse, leaving her unable to sleep for days at a time.

Furthermore, she explained how her experiences have shaped her approach to parenting. She admitted to being excessively overprotective, stating, “To say that I am overprotective doesn’t really describe it. I am scared to let them out of my sight. I find it difficult to let them go to a friend’s house to play and I can’t let them go unless I know the parents of their friends. I just don’t trust people around my children.” Her anxiety and feelings of low self-worth have been intensified since reporting Kellett to authorities, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by his actions.

Following the conviction, Kellett was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Southampton Crown Court. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and the lasting impact such crimes can have on victims, who often carry the trauma for decades after the offenses occur.