KEITH BARONS FROM HOLSWORTHY SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE COMMITTED OVER 20 YEARS AGO
| Red Rose Database
Holsworthy Rapist
A man named Keith Barons, aged 66 and residing in Holsworthy, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of raping a young girl more than two decades ago. The incident, which took place when Barons was in his early 40s, involved him giving alcohol to the girl before subjecting her to a traumatic assault. The victim, who was approximately 12 or 13 years old at the time, endured the psychological scars of the abuse for many years before finally coming forward to report the crime in 2019.
During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, Barons initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the girl’s allegations were fabricated. He insisted that she was making up the story, attempting to deny responsibility. However, just prior to the trial, he unexpectedly confessed to the offenses, expressing remorse and shame for his actions. His admission came as a shock to the court and marked a significant turning point in the case.
The presiding judge, Recorder Don Tait, described Barons’ conduct as “wicked” and criticized his repeated dishonesty when confronted with the truth. The judge also commended the bravery of the victim, who courageously read a statement aloud in court detailing the profound psychological impact the abuse had on her life. She recounted how the trauma continued to affect her daily existence, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of the assault.
In her statement, the victim revealed that not a single day had passed without thoughts of the abuse resurfacing. Her ordeal was compounded by delays in the legal process, caused partly by Barons’ initial denials and disruptions from barristers’ strikes, which prolonged her pursuit of justice. The court heard that the assault occurred after Barons had given her vodka, which left her feeling “groggy” and terrified as he undressed and raped her. On another occasion, he also groped her by touching her breast.
Prosecutor Miss Heather Hope detailed the harrowing account, emphasizing the lasting impact on the victim. She described how the victim’s memories of the events haunted her daily, and how her journey through the justice system was fraught with difficulties. Despite these challenges, her resilience shone through as she faced her attacker in court.
In mitigation, Barons’ defense lawyer, Mr. Simon Burns, stated that his client would regret his actions for the rest of his life. A letter of apology was read aloud in court, in which Barons expressed remorse. The defense highlighted that he was a hardworking family man with no prior convictions and presented positive references from friends, attempting to portray him in a more favorable light.
However, Recorder Tait was critical of Barons’ initial denial and his attempt to avoid responsibility through plea bargaining. The judge pointed out that although Barons now expressed remorse, he had lied for years, forcing the victim to endure prolonged suffering. The judge acknowledged the victim’s extraordinary bravery in reading her statement and emphasized that her courage had finally led to justice being served.
In the end, Keith Barons was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the crimes of child rape and indecent assault. The court’s decision underscored the severity of his actions and the importance of holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable young victims who demonstrate remarkable strength in seeking justice.
During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, Barons initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the girl’s allegations were fabricated. He insisted that she was making up the story, attempting to deny responsibility. However, just prior to the trial, he unexpectedly confessed to the offenses, expressing remorse and shame for his actions. His admission came as a shock to the court and marked a significant turning point in the case.
The presiding judge, Recorder Don Tait, described Barons’ conduct as “wicked” and criticized his repeated dishonesty when confronted with the truth. The judge also commended the bravery of the victim, who courageously read a statement aloud in court detailing the profound psychological impact the abuse had on her life. She recounted how the trauma continued to affect her daily existence, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of the assault.
In her statement, the victim revealed that not a single day had passed without thoughts of the abuse resurfacing. Her ordeal was compounded by delays in the legal process, caused partly by Barons’ initial denials and disruptions from barristers’ strikes, which prolonged her pursuit of justice. The court heard that the assault occurred after Barons had given her vodka, which left her feeling “groggy” and terrified as he undressed and raped her. On another occasion, he also groped her by touching her breast.
Prosecutor Miss Heather Hope detailed the harrowing account, emphasizing the lasting impact on the victim. She described how the victim’s memories of the events haunted her daily, and how her journey through the justice system was fraught with difficulties. Despite these challenges, her resilience shone through as she faced her attacker in court.
In mitigation, Barons’ defense lawyer, Mr. Simon Burns, stated that his client would regret his actions for the rest of his life. A letter of apology was read aloud in court, in which Barons expressed remorse. The defense highlighted that he was a hardworking family man with no prior convictions and presented positive references from friends, attempting to portray him in a more favorable light.
However, Recorder Tait was critical of Barons’ initial denial and his attempt to avoid responsibility through plea bargaining. The judge pointed out that although Barons now expressed remorse, he had lied for years, forcing the victim to endure prolonged suffering. The judge acknowledged the victim’s extraordinary bravery in reading her statement and emphasized that her courage had finally led to justice being served.
In the end, Keith Barons was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the crimes of child rape and indecent assault. The court’s decision underscored the severity of his actions and the importance of holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable young victims who demonstrate remarkable strength in seeking justice.