KEITH MORRIS JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN SKELMERSDALE AND BERWICK-ON-TWEED

In March 2004, Keith Morris, a 63-year-old man from Skelmersdale, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls. The offences took place over a period of years, and Morris was found guilty on two counts of indecent assault during his trial at Preston Crown Court.

Despite the conviction on these charges, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on a separate rape allegation. Morris, who had been residing in Berwick-on-Tweed at the time, maintained his innocence and denied all accusations of abuse. His address was listed as Beechtrees, Digmoor, Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

Following his conviction, Morris was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. Additionally, he was prohibited from working with children in any capacity once he is released from prison, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.

During sentencing, Judge Peter Openshaw QC addressed Morris directly, emphasizing the clear danger he posed to children. The judge dismissed Morris’s claims of being the victim of a “wicked conspiracy,” stating that his failure to admit guilt demonstrated a lack of remorse or regret for his actions. The judge highlighted that the offences spanned several years, underscoring their seriousness.

Morris’s legal team, led by barrister David Owen, argued that his client suffered from health issues including angina, diabetes, and anaemia, which they claimed should be taken into account and might result in a harsher sentence. However, Judge Openshaw firmly stated that the sentence was appropriate given the gravity of the offences.

In addition to the convictions for indecent assault, Morris faced several other charges related to the downloading of child pornography from the internet. These allegations were ordered to remain on his file, but no additional penalties were imposed at this time, leaving the matter unresolved in the court’s records.