KEVIN BEGLEY AND KENNETH BEGLEY FROM SWINDON AND TOOTHILL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that spanned over a decade and a half, brothers Kevin Begley, aged 39, and Kenneth Begley, aged 33, from the Swindon and Toothill areas, have been convicted and sentenced for heinous sexual offenses committed against young children. The crimes, which took place primarily in the Wiltshire town of Swindon, were detailed during a lengthy trial at Bristol Crown Court, revealing a pattern of abuse that shocked the local community and prompted a severe judicial response.

According to court proceedings, Kevin Begley engaged in a series of degrading and predatory acts against five children over a period of 16 years, from 1991 to 2007. The court heard that Kevin’s approach to his victims was brutal and manipulative, with the judge describing him as a “medieval tyrant” for his method of coercion and intimidation. He was accused of threatening the children with retribution if they disclosed the abuse or failed to comply with his demands. His brother, Kenneth, who was characterized as having a low IQ, was said to have been under Kevin’s influence, participating in the abuse under his elder sibling’s control.

The trial, which commenced in June, saw Kevin Begley facing 40 separate charges, while Kenneth was charged with eight. After a four-week trial, the jury found Kevin Begley guilty of 37 charges, including 12 counts of indecent assault, seven counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, six counts of rape, five charges of child cruelty against a person under 16, five counts of indecency with a child under 14, one charge of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child under 13, and one sexual assault of a child under 13. Kevin Begley, who resided in Toothill, Swindon, was subsequently sentenced to 18 years in prison.

His brother, Kenneth Begley, was convicted of two charges of indecency with a child under 14 and one count of indecent assault. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on two indecent assault charges and three charges of indecency with a child, which were ordered to lie on file. Both brothers were sentenced to serve time behind bars, with Kevin receiving a significantly longer term. Additionally, both men were placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and subjected to indefinite Sexual Offenders Prevention Orders, which prohibit any contact with children.

Judge Simon Darwell-Smith emphasized the severity of the crimes, highlighting the lasting impact on the victims and the importance of protecting children from such predators. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Swindon and Toothill, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse.