Keith Phillips, 64, perpetrated rape and sexual assault against five children over multiple decades. (Image: NYP)
A prolific rapist perpetrated an astonishing 68 offences against five children during a horrifying reign of terror spanning several decades.
Keith Phillips, from Huntington in York, sexually assaulted and raped five children, causing them “irreparable damage”. Phillips, 64, was found guilty of five charges of rape, nine instances of indecent assault, sexual assault of a girl under 13, and engaging in sexual conduct with a child after a thorough investigation by North Yorkshire Police.
Phillips, who expressed no remorse as he appeared at York Crown Court, was found guilty of 68 offences by a jury. Following the sentence, the judge described him as one of the most evil defendants he had ever encountered.
After a sentencing hearing, where Phillips was jailed for 28 years, the police’s Detective Constable Alyson Thompson expressed joy that paedophile Keith Phillips had been brought to justice, saying: The judge described Phillips as one of the most evil offenders hed ever dealt with, and I would echo that. His lack of remorse after decades of unimaginable abuse shows the true extent of his wickedness.
Its difficult to comprehend the magnitude of Phillips offending and the irreparable damage he has done to his victims lives. I have nothing but praise and respect for their immense courage coming forward its helped us build a case that has put an atrocious individual behind bars, potentially for the rest of his life. He will be 82 years old before he is eligible for parole
Det Constable Thompson urged anyone who has suffered recent or non-recent abuse to come forward and seek support. He said: We have support services and specially-trained offices to help people consider their options and work through what has happened to them. We are here to help, regardless of how long ago the offences happened.
Phillips will spend the next 28 years in prison plus an extended licence period.
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 111 (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.