Locations
High Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11
Description
A ‘manipulative and devious’ man who sexually assaulted a child on multiple occasions has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Kevin Rawlings formerly of High Street, Spalding, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday, 23 July after being found guilty of 11 charges at an earlier hearing in May.
The 58-year-old had denied three counts of sexual assault and eight charges of failure to comply with a sex offenders notification but was judged responsible for the offences by a jury.
The crimes date back to a number of incidents in 2021 and saw Rawlings breach restrictions placed on him for previous sexual offences.
Rawlings had been remanded in custody following his conviction until yesterday where he appeared before court officials to receive his sentence.
He was jailed for eight years and, after serving his sentence, could be recalled to prison again if he offends within four years of release.
On sentencing, the judge referred to Rawlings as manipulative and devious.
The result concludes a lengthy investigation spanning multiple years and finally brings Rawlings to justice for his crimes.
Multiple agencies worked together, as well as a number of officers within Lincolnshire Police to piece together the evidence.
DC Sarah Oliver of Lincolnshire Police said:
“Rawlings showed total disregard for the victim at the centre of this case and should be ashamed of his actions.
“His behaviour is unacceptable on every level and there is no place for it in our county or society at large. He will rightfully spend a long time in prison.
“I am proud of the bravery and maturity the victim has shown in standing up and speaking – this has significantly impacted their childhood. But I’d like to thank them for remaining steadfast in the investigation and it is thanks to their courage that he is in prison.
“I know this isn’t the end for them, but I hope this sentence does in some way, help them move forward.
“And finally, I want to thank all those involved in the investigation who came together to ensure Rawlings was brought to justice and made to answer for his crimes.
“It was a complex case that required a broad variety of skills and expertise to bring to conclusion.”