KENNETH HOUSTON FROM LANESHAW BRIDGE SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN PENDLE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Laneshaw Bridge and the surrounding Pendle area, Kenneth Houston, aged 62, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 14 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses. The conviction follows a detailed trial at Burnley Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing accounts of his crimes against two young victims, one of whom was a minor at the time of the assault.

Houston, residing on Sheridan Road in Laneshaw Bridge, was convicted last month on charges that included two counts of rape and nine counts of indecent assault. These offenses are classified as historical, indicating they occurred some time ago but only recently came to light and were prosecuted. The jury's verdict confirmed his guilt on all charges except one count of indecent assault, which they found not proven.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Beverley Lunt ordered Houston to register as a sex offender indefinitely, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. Additionally, she imposed a 15-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his activities and contact to protect the community from further harm.

The court was told that the first victim, a girl who was subjected to rape, endured a traumatic experience. She recounted how Houston told her it was her fault and accused her of encouraging him, a statement that added to her feelings of guilt and shame. Despite her efforts to resist, Houston held her wrists tightly during the attack. The court heard that he also made a cruel remark to her, saying, “Don’t think about telling anybody and nobody would believe a little whore like you.”

The second victim, who was subjected to indecent assault, kept her ordeal secret until her close friend prompted her to reveal her biggest secret. When she finally confided in her friend, she was overwhelmed with emotion, crying as she recounted her abuse. Her husband later described an incident where, during an intimate moment, she suddenly began to hit out, punch, spit, and swear at him. After calming down, she disclosed that she had been raped.

Prosecutor Amanda Johnson provided further details, explaining that police interviews with the victims took place in August of the previous year. The indecent assault victim was interviewed first, followed by the rape victim two weeks later. Notably, two days before the indecent assault victim’s interview, Houston was reported missing from his home. During this period, police recovered a suicide note written by his wife, in which Houston expressed despair, stating that since nobody believed him, he would not be around for much longer. Later that day, Houston was found and taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for assessment.

In the courtroom, the prosecution highlighted that Houston had initially denied the allegations during police questioning in September, claiming that the indecent assault victim had placed her hand between his legs and that he had reprimanded her, instructing her not to tell anyone. He also described the rape victim as a “wayward teenager,” attempting to deny the charges and minimize the severity of his actions.

Judge Beverley Lunt’s sentencing reflects the gravity of Houston’s offenses and the impact on his victims. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to account, even years after the crimes occurred.