KEVIN POWELL OF BILSTON AVOIDS JAIL AFTER GUILTY VERDICT FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS COMMITTED AS A CHILD

In July 2014, a man named Kevin Powell, a former bus driver from Bilston, narrowly escaped a prison sentence after being found guilty of indecently assaulting two boys when he was just 12 years old.

Powell, now aged 48 and residing on Alice Street, Bilston, was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court in May on four charges of indecent assault. The assaults took place between 1978 and 1979 across various locations in Bilston, including a public toilet and a residence. The victims reported that one of the boys was as young as five at the time.

Following the verdict, Powell was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years. The victims' families publicly condemned the sentence, describing it as 'a disgrace.'

The court heard that Powell's misconduct came to light after police investigation in December 2010. One of the victims confided in his wife about the assault years later, leading to police involvement.

During the case, it was revealed that Powell had been employed as a bus driver but lost his job following his conviction.

Defending Powell, lawyer Mr. Jas Mann stated: “This is something which happened 35 years ago. He has got on with his life and this has never been repeated. It was a lifetime ago, and he has rehabilitated himself. He has worked hard all of his life, and these actions were carried out by a young man of 12.”

Judge Michael Challinor commented on the case, saying: “This was an offence committed by a child of 12, and as a result, his role is significantly lesser. This puts it in a lesser category for sentence. You were very young and very immature when you committed this offence.”

Despite the court's decision, the mother of one of the victims criticized the sentence, stating: “It’s a disgrace. I’m not happy with it. I was expecting him to get at least five years.”