KEITH HESELTON SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN HAMPSHIRE
A 63-year-old man named Keith Heselton has been handed down a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious child sex offences.The offences, which are non-recent and took place in Shanklin, drew widespread attention due to the severity and nature of the crimes committed against a young girl.
The initial reports about the abuse surfaced in August 2021, when authorities received information that a girl, under the age of 10, had been subjected to sexual abuse by Heselton sometime between June 2005 and March 2006.
This tip-off prompted a detailed and exhaustive investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Following a comprehensive probe, Keith Heselton, who resides at Mulberry Mead in Whitchurch, was formally charged with nine separate offences related to the abuse.
On April 3rd, at Newport Crown Court, Heselton faced a jury and was subsequently found guilty of eight of the charges after a trial.
The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his misconduct, which included two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a girl under the age of 13, and one count of physically assaulting a girl under 13 through touching.
Heselton was also convicted of twice raping a girl under the age of 13, as well as one count of assault resulting in penetration.
In addition, he was found guilty of two further offences involving causing or inciting a girl under 13 to participate in sexual activities, though these did not involve penetration.
The gravity of these offences underscores the heinous nature of Heselton’s actions and the devastating impact on his young victims.
The sentencing hearing occurred on Monday, June 12th, at Portsmouth Crown Court.
The court sentenced Keith Heselton to a substantial prison term of 24 years, with a minimum required length of 16 years before eligibility for parole.
Beyond incarceration, Heselton was subjected to an additional five-year license order, a measure designed to monitor his conduct and prevent further offending.
Moreover, the court imposed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to restrict his activities and protect potential future victims.
Police Staff Investigator Louisa Parkin commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victim.
She stated, “The victim in this case, now a grown woman, has lived with the memory of this awful abuse for decades.
I’m pleased we can give her the outcome the case deserved and finally some closure.” She praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and cooperating fully with the investigation.
Parkin also reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to supporting victims and diligently pursuing offenders.
“We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously.
We have specially trained teams that can investigate these kinds of offences and provide support to victims.
If you have experienced these kinds of offences, we can make a commitment to you that you will be heard and listened to, and your report will be believed.
We are determined to put victims first and relentlessly pursue offenders, especially in cases like this,” she affirmed.
Anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse is encouraged to contact the police confidentially by calling 101.
Authorities assure victims that their reports will be taken seriously and that support is available for those seeking help.
