KEVIN NAISH FROM READING AND WHITLEY RELEASED: SEX OFFENDER BACK ON THE STREETS AFTER SENTENCE REDUCTION

In a development that has stirred significant concern among local residents and the victim’s family, Kevin Naish, a known sex offender from Reading and Whitley, has been released from custody after serving part of his sentence. The mother of a girl who was victimized by Naish expressed her outrage and frustration upon hearing the news, emphasizing her ongoing fears for her family’s safety.

Naish, who previously resided on Farrowdene Road in Whitley, was sentenced in September 2009 to four and a half years in prison after admitting to multiple charges related to sexual activity with a minor and burglary. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about his conduct, including that he had supplied the young girl with cannabis and alcohol before engaging in sexual acts with her. Judge Bruce McIntyre, presiding over the case at Reading Crown Court, described Naish’s behavior as “suggestive of grooming,” highlighting the manipulative nature of his actions.

At the time of sentencing, the court also heard that Naish had an “unhealthy relationship” with the girl, which involved drinking and smoking cannabis together. The incident in question occurred in September 2008, when Naish and the girl engaged in sexual activity that lasted approximately ten minutes. The following day, the girl confided in a 13-year-old friend, who advised her to seek help from her school’s counselor. Naish initially denied the allegations but later confessed after DNA evidence linked him to the scene.

Despite the severity of the case, the Court of Appeal later reduced Naish’s sentence to two years and nine months, a decision that the girl’s mother publicly criticized. She expressed her disappointment, stating, “I was expecting it, probation have been really good at keeping in touch, but I am angrier now than I was when I was going through the court case.” The mother also noted that Naish is not permitted to approach their family or enter Reading, which provides some reassurance, but she remains deeply concerned about his presence in the community.

In an interview with the Reading Post last week, the mother revealed that she has not yet informed her 17-year-old daughter about Naish’s release. She praised her daughter’s resilience, saying, “She works, she sings, she dances like any other teenager,” but admitted her own feelings of anger and confusion. “I don’t know how I really feel today,” she added.

Thames Valley Probation’s communications officer, Clare Hooper, confirmed the release on Monday, stating, “We can confirm he [Naish] has been released, subject to post-release conditions. A risk management plan is in place.” This indicates that while Naish is no longer in prison, authorities are monitoring his activities closely to mitigate any potential risk.

The court previously emphasized the disturbing nature of Naish’s conduct, noting that he had encouraged the girl to smoke cannabis and drink alcohol, behaviors that contributed to the grooming process. The victim’s parents have publicly stated that Naish’s actions have profoundly affected their lives, with the mother asserting, “He is a sex offender and he will always be a sex offender.” The case continues to evoke strong emotions within the community, as residents grapple with the reality of a known offender’s return to the streets.