KEVIN ATKINSON FROM PATRINGTON MAY BE BARRED FROM RETURNING TO THE USA

In September 2017, Kevin Atkinson, a 60-year-old man from Patrington, East Yorkshire, faces the possibility of being prevented from re-entering the United States to join his family. This comes after a court trial at Hull Crown Court where he was convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed over four decades ago.

The court heard from the younger of Atkinson's two victims, who testified about the lasting impact the abuse has had on his life. He described his ongoing struggles with anxiety, feelings of guilt, and difficulties in relationships, adding, "I just want him in particular to know, and other people, how it’s affected me. What he did doesn’t just stop when you’re not there; it carries on. I think it was very callous and I just want him to know the implications of what he did."

The second victim, now in his 50s, did not consider himself a victim and told the court that the acts between them were perceived by him as sexual experimentation. He stated, "He does not regard himself as a victim. He regards what happened between you as sexual experimentation. He said to this jury that being here breaks his heart."

Atkinson’s criminal record includes convictions for two indecency offenses against the younger victim, although he was acquitted of five other offenses against him. Against the older victim, he was convicted of four indecent assaults. The court noted that, due to the passage of time and inconsistent evidence, it was difficult to determine their exact ages at the time of the offenses.

Judge Mark Bury explained that because of this uncertainty, Atkinson would be given the "benefit of the doubt" and sentenced as if he were at the younger victim's age during the offenses. During the trial, Atkinson reportedly told the younger boy they were playing a game called "find the mouse."

The court also listened to a police interview where the younger victim believed he was under the age of eight, though he remembered hearing the song "Some Girls" and hearing Atkinson comment on its lyrics—"some girls will, some girls won't"—which suggested he might have been older at the time.

In his victim impact statement, the younger man expressed disappointment that his parents did not take action and conveyed feelings of being "dirty" and struggling with relationships due to the abuse. He emphasized the ongoing effects, stating, "I just want him in particular to know, and other people, how it’s affected me. What he did doesn’t just stop when you’re not there; it carries on."

The judge noted that if the allegations from the older victim had been the sole basis for prosecution, it might not have been deemed in the public interest to proceed.

Richard Thompson, representing Atkinson, assured the court that his client’s wife in the US, who is unwell, supports him, as do his employers. Atkinson holds a permanent residence card allowing him to live in the US and had hoped to return, though it remained uncertain whether US authorities would permit his re-entry following his convictions.

When the judge inquired about Atkinson’s plans if released or not in custody, Thompson replied, "Yes, I think so," when asked if he intended simply to buy a ticket and hope for the best.

Atkinson, formerly residing on Southside, Patrington, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He is also required to register as a sex offender for seven years and must inform police if he leaves or enters the UK.