A 66-year-old paedophile from Cullompton, Keith Barons, has been incarcerated for the rape of a child that occurred over 20 years ago. Keith Barons, a former housing association manager, provided the youngster with drink before putting her to a harrowing experience.
At the time, Keith Barons was in his early 40s, while the youngster was 12 or 13 years old, as stated before Exeter Crown Court. She endured the agony of his actions for years before to reporting to the police in 2019.
When interrogated, Barons refuted any wrongdoing and asserted that she was fabricating the narrative. However, shortly before the trial was about to commence, he confessed and now expresses remorse and humiliation for his actions.
The judge characterised the activities of Keith Barons the former Sanctuary Housing manager as “wicked” and stated that he had consistently deceived when faced with the truth. Recorder Don Tait commended the bravery of the victim who delivered a statement in court detailing the psychological toll she has endured.
“What you did to that young girl has had an awful effect on her life,” he told the defendant. “She had the courage to read her own victim statement and what a huge amount of courage that must have taken for her. When she told you she would never forgive you she looked you in the eye.”
Keith Barons, of Court Drive admitted rape of a child and indecent assault and was jailed for 13 years.
Prosecutor Miss Heather Hope said the rape happened after he gave the girl vodka. She could remember feeling “groggy” and freezing in terror while Keith Barons undressed and raped her. On another occasion Keith Barons groped the child by touching her breast.
In her statement the victim said not a day had past since where thoughts of what happened resurfaced. When she did go to the police her “tortuous journey” was made worse by delays caused by his denials and the barristers strike.
Mr Simon Burns, defending, said Keith Barons would regret his actions for the rest of his life. He read a letter in which he apologised. The defendant is hard-working family man with no previous convictions. The court was read positive references from paedophile friends.
Recorder Tait said Keith Barons had denied and then tried to plea bargain his way out of responsibility. “You may express remorse now but for years you lied and lied. She was the one who had to suffer. She has had a long wait to see justice being done and I’m sorry the system let her down to that extent.
“No one listening to her personal statement could not be moved by it. In my experienced you are one of the bravest young women I’ve heard. You suffered for many many years for what this man did to you and finally had the courage to go to the police.
“Thank you for having the strength and courage to read your victim statement.”
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