STEPHEN KEEN FROM PEACEHAVEN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Peacehaven, 53-year-old Stephen Keen has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The crimes spanned nearly a decade, with Keen abusing the girl over a period that extended until 2011.

According to court records, Keen was convicted on three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The victim, who is now a teenager, endured these traumatic experiences during her childhood and early adolescence. The case drew significant attention from law enforcement and child protection agencies, highlighting the importance of addressing such heinous crimes.

Detective Constable Katherine Upton provided a statement emphasizing the distressing nature of the case. She explained, “This was a very distressing case. The victim, whilst helpless, endured years of abuse from Keen, and it was only in 2012 that she felt able to tell other people.” Upton further detailed the swift response of authorities, noting, “We immediately investigated and, working with the local authority children’s services, uncovered what had happened to her. The experience is likely to affect her for the rest of her life.”

Upton also highlighted the challenges faced during the trial, including Keen’s persistent denial of guilt. “Keen pleaded not guilty throughout, and the courage of the victim in giving evidence, with the support of special measures to help her in court—including the use of her principal evidence by video recording—was key in securing his conviction,” she said.

The officer concluded with a message to other victims, stating, “We encourage victims of such experiences to come to us in confidence, and admire their increasing readiness to do so. Their reports are treated sensitively and professionally, and we can help them access further support and counselling.”