KIERON SCRIVEN'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN REDDITCH: HOSTEL RAPE AND VIOLENCE SHOCK COMMUNITY

In August 2013, Kieron Scriven was released from prison and returned to live in Redditch, a town where his criminal history continues to cast a shadow. His earlier conviction in December 2005 for a brutal sexual assault remains a dark chapter in his life.

Back in 2005, Scriven, then aged 22, was involved in a heinous attack at a hostel for homeless individuals located on Beoley Road West in Redditch. The incident, which took place on March 7, saw Scriven subject a 16-year-old girl to a series of terrifying and degrading acts. The court heard that Scriven, a resident of Slimbridge Close in Crabbs Cross, had a violent and bullying nature, which he used to intimidate and humiliate his victims.

According to the prosecution, Nicolas Cartwright, the case's lead prosecutor, detailed how Scriven initially approached a resident at the Step Out Drop-In hostel, claiming he had been 'grassed up' over a drug deal. The resident, frightened, leapt out of a window to escape the confrontation. Scriven then turned his attention to three young men, who were unaware of the reasons behind his aggressive behavior.

At this point, Scriven produced a knife, which he used to threaten the youths and forcibly escort them to the victim’s room. Once there, he ordered all of them to remove their tops. The court was told that Scriven made the girl remove her bra and then proceeded to fondle her breasts while the other youths were made to watch, subjecting her to a humiliating ordeal.

Not stopping there, Scriven instructed the three boys to fondle the girl further and then forced her to perform a sexual act on him. Under the new laws at the time, this act was classified as rape. After the assault, Scriven ordered the youths to leave the room, and he then forcibly engaged in sex with the girl himself.

The victim later provided her testimony via video link, describing the terrifying experience and the humiliation she endured. The court heard that Scriven had prior convictions for violence, including an attack in a town underpass, which underscored his history of aggressive behavior.

Following a three-day trial, the jury took just thirty minutes to reach a unanimous verdict on all five counts against Scriven. Worcester Crown Court found him guilty of two counts of rape, sexual assault, causing a female to engage in sexual activity, and affray. Judge David McEvoy QC sentenced Scriven to ten years in prison and ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Despite his release in 2013, Scriven’s return to Redditch continues to be a matter of concern for the local community, given the severity of his past crimes and the lasting impact on his victims.