PORTADOWN MAN KENNETH RUTHERFORD BRANDED A PERSISTENT PAEDOPHILE AND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Portadown, 49-year-old Kenneth Rutherford has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences involving a teenage girl. The Crown Court heard harrowing details of Rutherford’s abuse, which spanned over a year and a half, culminating in him fathering a child with the then 15-year-old victim.

Rutherford, a resident of Derrycarne Road in Portadown, was found guilty of multiple charges including indecent assault, physical violence, and causing injury to the young girl. The court was told that his abusive conduct began when she was just 14 years old, continuing from January 2006 until October 2007. During this period, Rutherford not only assaulted her but also inflicted injuries such as broken ribs, and he used threats of violence to control her, instilling ongoing fear.

The court proceedings revealed that Rutherford engaged in a sexual relationship with the girl, which eventually led to her becoming pregnant at the age of 15. The relationship was characterized by manipulation and deceit, with Rutherford initially claiming he was much younger and suffering from cancer to explain his baldness when questioned about his appearance. Despite the girl’s initial claim that she was 18, it became evident that she was underage, yet Rutherford continued the relationship without regard for the law or her age.

Details emerged that Rutherford and the girl met through mutual friends. At the time, Rutherford falsely claimed to be 22, although he was nearly 40. The relationship was marked by frequent sexual activity, with reports indicating that they sometimes engaged in sex up to five times a day. When the girl became pregnant in September 2006, Rutherford’s behavior grew more threatening. He behaved in a manner that caused her to fear violence throughout her pregnancy, and in January 2007, he physically attacked her, resulting in fractured ribs. Despite her pregnancy, Rutherford continued to threaten her with violence, demonstrating a pattern of controlling and abusive behavior.

The prosecution’s case highlighted Rutherford’s manipulative and controlling nature, which has left a lasting psychological impact on the victim, now aged 25. Crown prosecutor Kate McKay emphasized that Rutherford’s actions were not only criminal but also indicative of a dangerous individual with a history of offending against underage females. The court was informed that Rutherford has a prior criminal record related to offences against a minor and is currently facing additional sexual charges involving another 15-year-old girl.

Probation services have classified Rutherford as both dangerous and at high risk of reoffending. The victim, who has endured significant trauma from her ordeal, continues to suffer from the emotional scars of her toxic relationship with Rutherford. Her suffering was acknowledged by the court, with McKay stating that she remains deeply affected by the abuse.

During the hearing, Rutherford’s defense lawyer, Seamus Lannon, pointed out that Rutherford’s guilty plea had spared the victim from the trauma of a lengthy court trial. Lannon also noted that Rutherford initially admitted to being in a relationship with the girl but did not confess to the wrongdoing when questioned by police.

Judge Kerr delivered a stern verdict, branding Rutherford a “persistent paedophile.” The judge expressed concern over Rutherford’s attitude, citing a probation report that indicated he does not fully accept responsibility for his actions and continues to blame his victim. As part of his sentence, Rutherford was sentenced to six years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a ten-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The judge’s ruling underscores the severity of Rutherford’s crimes and the community’s need for protection from such dangerous individuals.