Justice has ultimately apprehended Ayton child sex criminal paedophile Kenneth Runciman, who victimised two young girls decades prior to his arrest.
Concealed beneath Kenneth Runciman’s ostensible respectability was the secret of his reprehensible conduct from years before, which resulted in lasting pain for his victims. The 66-year-old has been incarcerated following a jury’s conviction on 13 charges.
While he was incarcerated at Newcastle Crown Court, statements from both victims were presented, detailing the profound impact of his offences on their lives.
One woman said: “I coped with what happened to me as a child by pushing it to the back of my mind. I did this while it happened and afterwards and years later.”
She said Kenneth Runciman told her his abuse was “our secret” but added: “I felt disgusting, like it was my fault.
“I went to school and tried to be normal with my friends. I wanted their life, not a life where I was worrying about the next sexual abuse happening.”
The other victim added: “I don’t feel like a victim, I feel brave, strong and justified. My conscience is clear and I’m glad I don’t have to live with yours.”
Kenneth Runciman, formerly of Ayton, in Berwickshire, was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child. He was jailed for 13 years and must sign the sex offenders register for life.
Judge Tim Gittins told him: “You fall to be sentenced for sickening behaviour.” The judge said Kenneth Runciman had sought to “blacken the name” of one of the victims by claiming she had an ulterior motive for reporting his offending and claimed the second victim was lying – which was rejected by the jury.
Judge Gittins added: “It says something for their strength of character and determination that they have been finally vindicated, having lived with the burden of your abuse while you have got on with your life…as a man of apparently good character and respected in the community.”
The judge labelled his abuse “vile” and paid tribute to the “eloquent, poignant and powerful” victim statements, which “make it clear you blighted their childhoods”. He added: “It appears, thankfully, they will come through this not as victims of your offending but survivors of it, but that’s no thanks to you.
“No sentence can replace two lost childhoods.”
Brian Mark, defending, said Kenneth Runciman continues to deny the offences.
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