2008: MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE
A Kidderminster man who committed multiple abuses against a young girl has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term after a judge criticized his lack of acceptance of responsibility.Duncan Reed, of Cedar Crescent, was ordered to serve at least four years before being eligible for parole, and he must register as a sex offender for life.
He was also prohibited from owning a mobile device capable of taking pictures or videos, and an Sexual Offences Prevention Order was set in place.
The order prevents him from contacting his victim or being alone with anyone under 18 years of age.
Reed, 41, was convicted of 22 criminal charges following a five-day trial at Lincoln Crown Court in the previous month.
The charges included nine counts of indecent assault, eight of sexual assault, two of indecency with a child, and three of encouraging a child to take part in sexual activities.
He was found not guilty of three rape charges and two counts of attempted rape.
He confessed to producing one indecent photograph.
In delivering his sentence, Judge Michael Heath addressed Reed: "This girl’s childhood has been irreparably damaged by your horrible misconduct.
It is shameful that you would abuse a vulnerable young girl over such an extended period and that you still refuse to accept the truth of your actions." The case revealed that Reed began abusing the girl when she was only nine years old.
He was detained after she filed a complaint when she turned 12.
Prosecutor Felicity Gerry told the jury that the abuse worsened over time, especially as the girl matured.
She added that Reed frequently intoxicated her before abusing her, notably making her consume up to twelve alcopops on one occasion.
Reed’s defense, presented by Robert Underwood, asserted that Reed maintained his innocence and believed he was wrongly convicted.
Mr.
Underwood stated to the court, "He denies the allegations and does not accept the verdicts as accurate representations of his conduct.
He claims to have been unjustly convicted."
