KEVIN LOMAS'S SHOCKING CRIME IN DIDCOT: TEACHER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL AT KIP MCGRATH EDUCATION CENTRE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Didcot, Kevin Lomas, a former educator and operator of the Kip McGrath Education Centre located in Broadway, was convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident, which has left many residents appalled, highlights the dangers posed by individuals trusted with the care and education of children.

Kevin Lomas, aged 48 and residing in Blakes Field, Didcot, was sentenced to a term of two and a half years in prison after admitting to multiple charges related to his inappropriate conduct. The court proceedings, held at Oxford Crown Court, revealed that Lomas had harbored disturbing sexual fantasies about children for several years prior to his arrest. His criminal record was thoroughly checked by the company he worked for, Kip McGrath, before his employment, but the full extent of his desires was not known to his employers at the time.

During the trial, it was established that Lomas had committed four counts of sexual activity with a minor and one count of indecent exposure. The offences took place in connection with his role at the education centre, which was based in Broadway and opened in 2005. The centre provided after-school tutoring in various academic subjects, serving as a resource for local families seeking supplementary education for their children. Although the centre is no longer operational, the reasons for its closure have not been publicly disclosed by Kip McGrath. A company spokesperson confirmed that Lomas had been employed there for over five years and had previously worked in schools, but refused to specify the exact timeline or circumstances surrounding the closure.

Judge Terence Maher delivered a stern judgment, expressing his concern over Lomas’s apparent belief that the victim was showing interest in him. The judge remarked, “What’s particularly alarming is that you appear to be of the view in some way she was showing some form of interest in you.” He emphasized the profound impact such abuse can have on young victims, stating, “It has shaken her confidence in grown-ups. It may be some time before she can put this behind her.”

Furthermore, Judge Maher highlighted the significant risk of further harm posed by Lomas, referencing interviews conducted by probation officers. He warned that there was a “significant risk of serious harm, because of your exploration of the desires which you have felt towards young children for a good number of years.”

Community leaders and residents expressed their shock and disappointment upon learning of the case. Captain John Flood, the leader of Didcot Town Council, voiced his disgust, saying, “I’m disgusted. I’m surprised that it happened and that no-one seems to know anything about it.” The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the oversight of individuals working with children in the area, prompting calls for increased vigilance and stricter background checks.

As the community grapples with the revelations, many are left questioning how such a trusted figure could commit such acts. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough vetting processes and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from potential predators within their own communities.