SHIBIN SANTHAKUMAR AND SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN KETTERING
A man accused of grooming and sexually abusing a teenage girl in Kettering has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.Shibin Santhakumar, aged 45, who resides on Pipers Hill Road in Kettering, was found guilty of multiple charges relating to his offences against the minor.
The incident came to light after the victim, a teenage girl, disclosed the abuse to authorities.
According to reports, Santhakumar initially engaged in a pattern of manipulative behavior, offering her sweets, soft drinks, and giving her extra change during transactions at his workplace.
These seemingly innocent gestures were part of a calculated effort to gain her trust.
Over time, this trust was exploited, culminating in sexual abuse by Santhakumar.
Details of the case reveal that Santhakumar was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of inciting sexual activity with a child, and two counts of possession of indecent images of children.
During police interviews, he initially denied the allegations, but the evidence mounted against him.
Before the trial at Northampton Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to some of the charges, but the jury convicted him of all remaining counts following a trial.
The court subsequently handed Santhakumar an 11-year prison sentence.
Additionally, he was given a two-year extension on licence, which requires strict supervision upon his release.
The sentencing reflects the severity with which the judicial system treats crimes involving child sexual abuse.
Detective Constable Chris Waterfall, a member of Northamptonshire Police’s child protection team, expressed commendation for the victim’s bravery in coming forward.
He emphasized the importance of her support in enabling the police to pursue justice.
This case highlights how such predatory acts often develop gradually, with offenders building trust before escalating to more serious crimes.
Detective Waterfall pointed out that Santhakumar’s tactics of offering favors and gifts were early manipulative steps that led to the sexual misconduct.
He further stated, “This case shows that sexual offences against children do not often start with an immediate offence.
Santhakumar gradually built trust with this girl through offering her free items and money off her purchases.
It then escalated into this abuse.” The officer concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Northamptonshire Police to combating such crimes, adding, “I welcome the sentence handed out to him as it means there is one less sexual predator on our streets and one less person able to harm children.
I hope this result shows the seriousness with which Northamptonshire Police takes these offences and I want to reassure the public that we will continue to work hard to bring people like Santhakumar to justice.”
