KELVIN PRIOR SENTENCED IN HALIFAX AND WAINFLEET FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL

In October 2013, a man from Lincolnshire, Kelvin Prior, was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting a young girl. The court also mandated that Prior register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, emphasizing the severe and lasting impact of his actions. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the victim's courage in coming forward.

According to court proceedings, Prior, who was residing at his home in Wainfleet at the time of his arrest, was taken into custody after the victim confided in a teacher about the abuse. The young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was encouraged by her friends to speak out about her experiences. It was this support that prompted her to disclose the abuse, which she described as inappropriate touching by Prior in places he should not have been touching her.

Prosecutor Stephen Lowne detailed that the girl approached a teacher and explicitly stated that Prior had been touching her inappropriately. Following her disclosure, she was interviewed on video by specially trained police officers in October 2011, providing crucial evidence for the case. The court heard that Prior initially denied the allegations when questioned after his arrest at his residence on St John Street, Wainfleet. However, he later pleaded guilty to ten sexual charges, including assault by penetration, related to the girl.

At the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer Robert Underwood acknowledged that Prior had faced the consequences of his actions and expressed that his remorse appeared genuine. Mr. Underwood pointed out that Prior’s remorse was demonstrated through his guilty plea and his honesty during a probation interview, suggesting a level of acknowledgment and regret for his conduct.

Judge Michael Heath, presiding over the case, emphasized the devastating effect of Prior’s actions on his victim. He described the impact as “quite clear” and remarked on the emotional toll inflicted by the abuse. The judge described the situation as “heart-rending” and highlighted the profound devastation caused by Prior’s misconduct.

In addition to the prison sentence, Prior was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which aims to prevent any future offending and protect the community. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm.