LUKE KURYLO FROM STON EASTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEEN BOY IN SOMERSET

In May 2017, a serious case involving a chef from Somerset drew significant attention to issues of sexual misconduct and the legal consequences that follow. Luke 'Lenny' Kurylo, a 23-year-old resident of West View, Ston Easton, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a teenage boy while working at the prestigious Ston Easton Park hotel and restaurant.

Despite denying the allegations, Kurylo faced a three-day trial at Taunton Crown Court in April, where the jury convicted him on all five counts of sexual assault. During the proceedings, it was revealed that the incidents took place in 2014, within the premises of the hotel and restaurant where Kurylo was employed at the time.

The prosecution, led by Ian Dixie, detailed the traumatic impact on the victim, who recounted how Kurylo had targeted him with inappropriate physical contact. The victim described how Kurylo had placed his hand over his genitals, engaged in dry-humping, and cupped his buttocks. The court heard that Kurylo had also verbally admitted to being a paedophile and had described actions such as squeezing and slapping the victim's genitals and bottom.

During sentencing, Judge Robert Linford emphasized the severity of Kurylo’s actions, characterizing them as sexual bullying rather than mere 'banter.' The judge stated, “This was sexual bullying. You grabbed his buttocks and simulated having sex with him – not because you were attracted to him, but because you were bullying him. This is not a trivial matter, this was not just banter. You are now a convicted sex offender because your behaviour towards him was sexual. It was not just name calling, this was done to humiliate him.”

Judge Linford also pointed out that Kurylo had attempted to minimize his conduct, telling a probation officer that “the victim told a better story than my barrister did,” which the court viewed as a further indication of his lack of remorse. The judge underscored the real and lasting harm caused by inappropriate sexual behaviour, stating, “Inappropriate sexual behaviour is not banter. It has real effects on real people.”

As part of his sentence, Kurylo was ordered to complete a three-year community order, participate in a specialized sex offender rehabilitation program, and undertake 180 hours of unpaid community service. The case highlights the importance of accountability and the serious consequences faced by individuals who commit sexual offences, especially within trusted environments such as hotels and restaurants in Somerset.