A NUNEATON man has been jailed for seven years and six months for a string of child sex offences against two young girls.
John Stuart Keens, 64, from Nuneaton was handed the prison term at Warwick Crown Court last week after admitting to sexually assaulting them.
Keens two victims told how they were sexually abused by him when they were under the age of 13. The offences took place between 2014 and 2020 in Nuneaton.
The Warwickshire Police Child Abuse, Trafficking and Exploitation Team launched an investigation in December 2020 after one of the victims disclosed the abuse to her father.
Detective Constable Jade Badhams, of the Warwickshire Police Chile Abuse, Trafficking and Exploitation Team, said:
“I am pleased justice has been served and John Keens has been jailed for these terrible crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to his victims for the bravery they have shown through the investigation and court case.
“This case highlights that Warwickshire Police takes offences of this nature extremely seriously and I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of sex offences - no matter when they occurred – to report it.”
Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to report the incident to police by calling 101, where specially trained officers will help victims with care and sensitivity, and will work to get the right result for them with their wishes in mind. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Support
If you have been sexually assaulted, whether as an adult or a young person, it is important to remember that it wasn’t your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, there are services that can help. You don’t have to report the assault to police if you don’t want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
However, consider getting medical help as soon as possible, because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic medical examination takes place, the better.
Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police.
Where you go for help will depend on what’s available in your area and what you want to do. For specialist medical attention and sexual violence support, whether you decide to have a forensic medical examination or not, your first point of call is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC).
The following services will also provide treatment or support, and can refer you to another service if you need more specialist help (such as a SARC):
- a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
- a voluntary organisation, such as Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Survivors UK (for male victims of sexual assault)
- the free, 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
- the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year)
- a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
- a contraceptive clinic
- a young people’s service
- NHS 111
The police by calling 101 - In an emergency, dial 999
