KEITH VERNON FROM N. YORKS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG VICTIMS

In April 2021, Keith Vernon, a man from North Yorkshire, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving young children. The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, where the devastating impact of his actions on the victims and their families was laid bare.

According to court proceedings, Vernon engaged in disturbing behavior during a sleepover in North Yorkshire, where he coerced young children into watching pornography. The court was informed that he then encouraged one of the children to perform a sexual act on himself, despite the child not understanding what was being asked of him. The prosecutor, Paul Abrahams, detailed that Vernon had previously served two years for other sex offenses, highlighting a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Vernon, who was identified as having no fixed address at the time, pleaded guilty to charges of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch a sexual act during the summer of 2019. His decision to admit guilt prevented the victims from having to testify in court, and a letter of apology written by Vernon was read out to the court, reflecting some acknowledgment of his wrongdoing.

Judge Recorder Tahir Khan sentenced Vernon to three years and nine months in prison. Additionally, he imposed a sexual harm prevention order to restrict Vernon’s future contact with minors. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “You were in a position of trust and you abused that trust, and that is a significantly aggravating feature.”

During the sentencing, a victim personal statement was read by the mother of one of the young boys. She described the profound and lasting trauma inflicted upon her son and their family. She expressed that the past 20 months had been an “awful time” filled with emotional and physical distress. Her words conveyed the deep pain and inability to forgive Vernon for the harm caused.

She detailed how her son, once a happy and confident boy, had become shy, timid, and depressed. The trauma had affected his ability to trust adults, and he now exhibits protective behaviors towards his siblings, avoiding physical affection such as hugs. The mother shared her heartbreak, revealing that her son had expressed thoughts of not wanting to be alive anymore, a statement that deeply disturbed her as a parent. The family had sought professional help to support the boy’s recovery, and she expressed hope that, over time, he would overcome the demons he faced and understand that he was not at fault.

The mother also recounted the additional distress caused by discovering Vernon’s HIV-positive status. This revelation added significant pressure on the family, leading to medical tests for her children and ongoing concern about their health. She concluded by reaffirming that her family would never forgive Vernon and was struggling to comprehend the motives behind his actions, which had left indelible scars on their lives.