A reprehensible Darlington paedophile, Kenneth Harrison, who exploited three kid victims and subsequently led police on a high-speed pursuit has been sentenced to almost 10 years in prison.
The abuse perpetrated by Kenneth Harrison was revealed when one of his victims courageously reported the incident.
Officers arrived at Kenneth Harrison’s residence in Darlington to apprehend him; however, he was observed fleeing in a vehicle from the police. This initiated an 18-minute pursuit during which Harrison ran red lights and attained speeds of up to 90 mph without activating any lights.
Kenneth Harrison appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham to receive sentencing for child sexual abuse and one count of reckless driving, to which he had previously pleaded guilty. Chronicle Live reported that the judge acknowledged Harrison’s offences affected three distinct individuals, and he ‘broke into tears’ upon receiving the prison sentence.
During a hearing last week, prosecutor Robin Turton stated that Kenneth Harrison committed sexual offences against three youngsters, leaving one feeling ‘targeted’. The court was informed that Harrison also sexually abused a child when overseas and inebriated.
Mr. Turton stated that following the submission of the crimes to the police, they proceeded to arrest him on March 11 of this year. Kenneth Harrison was observed operating a vehicle in Darlington but accelerated rapidly upon noticing the officers.
He stated that he exceeded the speed limit during the 18-minute pursuit, driving over 90 mph in a 40 mph zone and running red lights. He was ultimately apprehended upon arriving at his residence and subsequently refuted any allegations of sexual misconduct.
Chris Baker, in defence, stated that Harrison had ‘articulated profound regret regarding the incident’ and that there was ‘remorse’. He stated that he submitted guilty pleas to spare the victims from undergoing the trial procedure.
Mr. Baker stated: “This is his inaugural custodial sentence, and he has reported experiencing mental health challenges during his imprisonment.” He is experiencing despair and suicidal ideation and seeks to utilise all the support offered by the institution.
“He is aware that he has committed something completely reprehensible.”
In sentencing Kenneth Harrison, Judge Chris Smith stated: “Your actions have resulted in three distinct victims, each of whom will be affected in their own lives.” Your expression of remorse indicates that it is reasonable to provide you full credit for your guilty pleas.
Kenneth Harrison received a prison term of 10 years and eight months and will be registered as a sex offender for life. Due to the duration of his imprisonment, he received an eight-year and four-month driving ban and is need to undergo an extended re-test.
Kenneth Harrison, with his head in his hands, wept uncontrollably following the imposition of the hefty sentence.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.