KENNETH PICKERING FROM HORNCASTLE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LINCOLN

A 70-year-old man from Horncastle, Kenneth Pickering, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses. The conviction was handed down at Lincoln Crown Court following a comprehensive trial where Pickering faced six charges related to his heinous actions.

Pickering, who resides on Boston Road in Horncastle, was convicted of four counts of assault by penetration, one charge of attempted rape, and an additional count of sexual assault. The court heard that these offenses were committed against a teenage girl, with the judge, Simon Hirst, describing Pickering’s actions as driven by his own sexual gratification at the expense of his victim.

During the sentencing, Judge Hirst emphasized the severity of the crimes, highlighting that Pickering had exploited his victim for his personal sexual satisfaction. The court also considered an impact statement from the victim, which revealed the profound and lasting effects of the assault. The victim expressed that her childhood had been stolen from her and that she continues to suffer from anxiety as a result of the trauma inflicted by Pickering.

The case has drawn significant attention to issues of sexual violence and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior. Pickering’s conviction and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who commit such grave offenses in the Lincoln area and beyond.