KENNETH GORDON FROM BIRMINGHAM AND JERSEY SENTENCED FOR DECADE-LONG CHILD ABUSE

In a harrowing case that spans over two decades, Kenneth Gordon, a 68-year-old man with connections to Birmingham and Jersey, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the sexual abuse of four children in Jersey. The abuse, which began in the 1990s, involved indecent assaults and unlawful sexual intercourse, and has left a lasting scar on his victims.

Gordon appeared before the Royal Court in St Helier, showing no visible emotion as his victims, some of whom were visibly distressed and in tears, watched from the courtroom. The court heard that Gordon had systematically groomed and manipulated his young victims over a prolonged period, effectively stripping them of their childhood innocence. His actions were described as calculated and predatory, with the court emphasizing the long-term harm inflicted upon the children.

It was also revealed that Gordon had previously served time in 2009 for similar offences. During that period, he was jailed for four years for sexual offences against two girls under the age of 16, including indecent assault and procuring an act of gross indecency. Following his release in May 2011, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was prohibited from contacting or approaching children under 16. Despite these restrictions, it was reported that in August 2011, Gordon 'inadvertently' came into brief contact with three boys on a public street, an incident that led to an additional six-month probation order.

Today’s court proceedings confirmed that Gordon pleaded guilty to eighteen charges of sexual offences, including indecent assault and unlawful sexual intercourse. The court was informed that his criminal conduct spanned over twenty years, with allegations involving eight different child victims. The judge emphasized that Gordon’s actions have had a profound and lasting impact on his victims, some of whom bravely spoke out during the hearing. One victim, whose identity remains protected, expressed her hope that her testimony would encourage others to come forward and seek justice.

She stated, ‘You are an evil, vindictive monster who took advantage of vulnerable young girls. Thank you to everyone who has been there to support me through this, wipe away the tears, meet me at stupid hours of the night… and just in general walked beside me on what has been one of the most difficult journeys of my life. I hope with breaking the silence if there’s any more victims out there they will come forward. Now’s your time to speak up and be heard.’

Following the guilty pleas, the court lifted a reporting embargo that had previously prevented media from naming Gordon. Prosecutors accepted his pleas but indicated that some remaining charges, which Gordon maintains his innocence over, would remain on file. The case is scheduled for sentencing before the Royal Court’s Superior Number on Monday, 19 August at 10 am. Gordon is already subject to a sexual offences notification order due to his past convictions, underscoring the seriousness of his criminal history.

As this case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims. The community and authorities continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and support for those affected by such heinous crimes.