JASON KEYTE FROM BARNSTAPLE AND REDDITCH SEXUALLY ABUSES TEENS AT REDDITCH SOCIAL CLUB

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Redditch and Barnstaple, three teenage boys who were employed at a social club in Redditch fell victim to sexual abuse by their employer, Jason Keyte. The incidents, which occurred between 1997 and 1998, involved the defendant engaging in inappropriate and criminal acts against the minors, leading to a court hearing that revealed the full extent of his misconduct.

According to court proceedings, Jason Keyte, who was 42 years old at the time of sentencing and currently resides on Joy Street in Barnstaple, Devon, had a history of socialising with the young victims prior to the assaults. The court was informed that Keyte had spent time with the boys in social settings before the abuse took place, which added a layer of betrayal given his position of authority and trust at the social club. The social club in question was located in Headless Cross, Redditch, where Keyte was responsible for hiring staff and managing operations.

One of the most harrowing details revealed during the trial was that a 15-year-old victim awoke at Keyte’s former residence on Bromsgrove Road in Redditch to find the defendant performing oral sex on him. The court heard that this victim was asleep at the time, indicating a gross violation of personal boundaries and trust. Additionally, a 16-year-old victim was subjected to similar abuse, with Keyte also engaging in oral sex with him while he was asleep. Another 15-year-old, who was at his own home, was also molested by Keyte, further illustrating the pattern of predatory behaviour.

Prosecutor Simon Phillips detailed these incidents, emphasizing the severity of the offences. The court was told that Keyte had pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault, acknowledging his misconduct. The case drew significant attention, especially from the families of the victims, who sat in the public gallery expressing their anger and disappointment over the leniency of the sentence handed down.

In mitigation, Garth Richardson, representing Keyte, stated that his client had expressed remorse and disgust for his actions. He argued that Keyte’s guilty plea spared the victims the trauma of giving evidence in court and maintained that the defendant’s participation in a sex offenders’ treatment programme would serve to protect the public in the future. The judge, Judge Robert Juckes QC, was informed that a probation report concluded that Keyte still posed a “high level of risk” to young men and required intensive treatment.

Sentencing, the judge imposed a nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, and mandated that Keyte participate in a sex offenders’ treatment programme for three years. The judge emphasized that this approach was the best way to prevent further offending, despite acknowledging the psychological harm inflicted on the victims. He described Keyte’s actions as a “gross breach of trust” and a betrayal of the responsibilities associated with his role at the social club. Furthermore, Keyte was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibited him from having any contact with children under 16.

Members of the victims’ families, present during the hearing, expressed their outrage and frustration at what they perceived as a lenient sentence. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the dangers of abuse by those in positions of authority and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation and harm.