SUNDERLAND PAEDOPHILE KEVIN PALMER SENTENCED AFTER ABUSING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL JUST MONTHS BEFORE HER DEATH
In June 2014, Kevin Palmer, a convicted paedophile from Sunderland, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl shortly before her tragic death.Palmer, then 39 years old and now 40, was caught by police with the girl, Danielle Formosa, in a tent he had brought along to their meeting.
Palmer originally met Danielle four months earlier and falsely told her he was a 19-year-old law student.
Danielle, who was in foster care at the time and described in court as a "troubled young girl," had sent texts to Palmer to arrange their meeting in June.
Prosecutor Robert Woodcock told Newcastle Crown Court that the pair met in Sunderland, where they purchased cigarettes and a fizzy drink.
They then went to a park, where Palmer, residing at Pennywell Bail Hostel in Sunderland, set up a tent, and the two listened to music on his phone.
A passing police officer checked on them, and both gave false names.
However, as the officer walked away, he overheard Danielle refer to Palmer as "Kev." Another officer later arrived and asked them to exit the tent, requesting their names and ages.
While Danielle provided her details, Palmer quickly packed up the tent and fled before being arrested at his home.
Tragically, Danielle was found dead at East Farmhouse in County Durham in December 2014, at the age of 14.
Palmer was initially charged with raping Danielle and appeared at court for trial, but he eventually pleaded guilty to lesser charges of engaging in sexual activity in her presence and attempting to incite her to engage in sexual activity.
Defence lawyer Nick Peacock stated that Palmer had experienced a difficult life and showed remorse for his actions and for Danielle's death.
However, Judge Penny Moreland dismissed this claim, emphasizing her view on Palmer’s grooming behavior, her words to the court, "In my view, what you did was groom her for sexual activity by persisting in seeing her.
I take the view that you planned to commit a sexual offence against her, and you planned to do so by taking a tent." The judge further noted that Danielle had taken her own life since the offences.
She stated, "You can’t be held to account for that.
I have no doubt that what you did caused her distress and upset.
I am not satisfied that you show remorse for what you did.
I find no evidence of this." She added, "I accept that you have had your own difficulties and your own life has not been straightforward, but that is no excuse for these offences." Palmer was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and prohibited from having contact with children under 16 without social worker supervision.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson expressed her support for the sentence, saying, "His crime has clearly had a devastating impact on the victim, who sadly is no longer with us.
I hope this case encourages more victims who may be suffering alone to come forward." Additionally, in May 2014, Palmer admitted to sexually abusing a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Sunderland, just months before her death.
The offence involved a tent where he was caught by police.
The girl, who had turned 14 by December, was found dead at a children's home in County Durham.
Palmer, then 40 and of no fixed address in Sunderland, faced trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
The prosecution requested that her video statement be played during the proceedings, a motion opposed by Palmer's defense, claiming it could impair his fair trial.
After legal deliberation, Judge Penny Moreland allowed the video to be used.
Before jury swearing, Palmer pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in her presence and inciting her to engage in sexual activity.
Prosecutor Robert Woodcock highlighted that the girl was particularly vulnerable and that Palmer had known her to be only 13.
As a result, prosecutors dropped the more serious charge of rape.
Judge Moreland remanded Palmer in custody, warning that the case would likely result in an immediate custodial sentence.
He is scheduled for sentencing on June 6, 2014.
This case underscores the devastating impact of such offences, with the victim’s tragic death highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support for victims.
