In 2014, a 60-year-old former Royal Navy sailor was sentenced to seven years and four months’ imprisonment at the High Court of Justiciary after admitting to repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping two young girls over a three-year period.
Keith Anderson appeared for sentence after tendering early guilty pleas on indictment to two serious charges of repeated rape and sexual assault against two female children.
The prosecution detailed that Anderson’s abuse commenced in December 1986, when he was between 32 and 35 years of age. He targeted two young girls, one aged 11 and the other aged nine, subjecting them to persistent sexual violation and penetrative rapes. The abuse continued over a three-year period until the older victim, then aged 14, threatened to kill Anderson if he ever touched her again.
The court was also informed of Anderson’s past criminal record involving severe physical violence against infants. In 1976, Anderson was jailed for assaulting a four-month-old baby girl and breaking her arm. Four years later, in 1980, he served another custodial term for attacking a 16-week-old baby boy, fracturing 17 of the child’s ribs.
Defending counsel stated that Anderson was willing to undergo rehabilitation to address his sexual offending and noted his regret for offences committed during what was described as a period of turmoil in his life.
Passing sentence, presiding judge Lord Kinclaven addressed Anderson directly:
“You have accepted responsibility for two very serious sexual offences against two children when you were aged between 32 and 35. These were offences which took place during a period of about three years against two young children, the first aged between 11 and 14 and the second aged between nine and 12. You acted in gross breach of trust.”
Lord Kinclaven stated that the severity of the crimes merited an 11-year custodial term, but reduced the sentence to seven years and four months in recognition of Anderson’s early guilty pleas.
Outside court, the elder victim, speaking as an adult, described experiencing constant violence from Anderson throughout her childhood, remarking of the prison sentence: “It’s not long enough, but it’ll do.”
Under statutory protections and Scottish legal provisions, all child complainants and victims connected to sexual offence proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, educational facilities, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Anderson stood convicted of:
Two counts of repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping female children
Sentencing outcome and statutory measures:
Seven years and four months’ immediate custody
Mandatory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
Permanent barring from regulated work with children or protected adults (PVG Scheme Barred Lists)
Strict post-custodial statutory licence supervision conditions enforceable upon release from custody
He is believed to be on the prowl in the Luton and Hitchin area.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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