PAUL KITCHIN FROM EGREMONT ESCALATES CRIMES WITH CHILDREN IN CARLISLE - SENTENCED BUT WALKS FREE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Paul Kitchin, a resident of The Larches in Egremont, was found guilty of sending sexually explicit and threatening messages to two young girls in Carlisle. The incident, which took place over a span of more than a year, involved Kitchin targeting two girls, both under the age of 14, through a Facebook account he used to conceal his identity.

According to court proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, Kitchin sent intimate photographs of himself to the girls, establishing a disturbing online relationship. The messages he sent did not remain static; they escalated in severity and included threats aimed at one girl to influence or intimidate the other. This pattern of behavior created what the court described as a “climate of fear” for the victims, who were vulnerable due to their young age.

Judge Peter Hughes QC addressed the court, emphasizing that Kitchin’s actions were premeditated and involved deliberate planning. The judge stated, “You created a climate of fear for both young girls,” highlighting the malicious intent behind the offenses. He further noted that the prolonged nature of the crimes demonstrated Kitchin’s inability to grasp the gravity of his actions or to consider the inevitable distress inflicted upon the victims.

Kim Whittlestone, representing Kitchin, explained that her client had been “troubled” by his own behavior and expressed a desire to address his issues. She pointed out that Kitchin, who had already served 16 weeks in custody, had a history of social isolation, both as a child and as an adult, which contributed to his depression and unemployment.

Judge Hughes took into account various psychological factors, including Kitchin’s history of social withdrawal and the fact that he had been isolated from his peers. The judge also reflected on the contrast between Kitchin’s life and that of the victims, noting that as both parties grew older, the disparity in their circumstances became more apparent. “I strongly suspect that contrast, and comparing your life with theirs’, is an underlying factor of these offences,” he remarked.

He described Kitchin’s actions as “deeply unpleasant and disturbing” for the young girls involved. The court heard that Kitchin, aged 26, had previously admitted to attempting to incite a child aged 14 to participate in pornography, as well as engaging in harassment and inciting a minor to engage in pornography. These offenses occurred between October 1, 2012, and November 30 of the previous year.

Despite the severity of the crimes, Kitchin was handed a three-year community order, which includes supervision and participation in a sex offenders’ group program. Additionally, he is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The court also imposed a five-year sexual offences prevention order and placed Kitchin on the sex offenders’ register for five years. He is explicitly banned from working with children or vulnerable adults and from having any contact with girls under 16. Furthermore, he must not approach or attempt to contact either of the victims.

Judge Hughes issued a stern warning, stating that any breach of these orders could result in a substantial prison sentence. Despite the gravity of his actions, Kitchin was allowed to walk free under the conditions of his community order, a decision that has sparked debate and concern among local residents and child protection advocates alike.