KEITH GRIFFITHS FROM STRETFORD SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR AT LOCAL SWIMMING BATHS

In a case that has shocked the community of Stretford, Keith Griffiths, a 62-year-old widower with a long history of offenses against children, was sentenced to the maximum jail terms last week for his disturbing actions targeting young girls at a public swimming facility.

Griffiths, whose criminal record spans over two decades, was found guilty of engaging in indecent acts in front of minors at the Stretford Sports Centre. The incident occurred in February of the previous year, when he was caught in the act by an off-duty police officer who was present at the scene. The officer, who was showering after a swimming session, was left deeply disturbed by Griffiths' behavior, which involved performing sexual acts in front of girls as young as four.

The case was heard at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, where Griffiths showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced. The court handed down two consecutive maximum sentences of two years each for two separate counts of indecency with children. Judge Peter Lakin emphasized the severity of Griffiths' actions, describing him as "manipulative and devious" and highlighting the danger he posed to the public.

During the sentencing, the judge stated, "You have an unhealthy interest in young girls. As well as being a danger to the public, you are manipulative and devious. These offences were as blatant as they were disgusting, and it is necessary to protect the public from serious harm from you."

It was revealed during the trial that Griffiths had a history of similar offenses, with convictions dating back twenty years. After being released early from prison in June 1993, he served a 12-month sentence for maintaining a disorderly house. In May of the following year, he received a nine-month sentence for unlawfully detaining a child.

The latest offenses took place during Griffiths' routine visits to the leisure center, specifically in the men's changing rooms while young girls waited for their fathers. The court heard that Griffiths performed these acts in a cubicle and in front of a young girl in the showers, all in a public area frequented by families. The off-duty police officer who caught him described Griffiths as having "tunnel vision" when it came to the children, noting that his behavior was so focused on them that it caused embarrassment even to a seasoned police officer.

Throughout the trial, Griffiths maintained his innocence, denying all charges. However, after a three-day trial, the jury found him guilty. The judge condemned his lack of remorse and the distress caused to the victims, underscoring the need for strict punishment to prevent further harm.