A pensioner has been given an extended prison sentence for the horrific sexual abuse of two girls including raping a six-year-old.
Kenneth Brook, 75, of The Crescent, Kirkburton, Huddersfield was ordered to serve 17 years four months in jail with an extended five years on licence after the judge described his offences as appalling.
He admitted eight offences of indecent assault against one girl and rape, sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity on the other.
Sentencing him at Leeds Crown Court today Judge Christopher Batty said the offending on the complainants was decades apart but that demonstrated his sexual attraction to young girls had existed for many years and still continues.
His offending came to light this year after the six-year-old spoke of what had happened to her causing anguish for her parents who had trusted him with her.
The judge said they should feel no guilt over that because he appeared to them “a plausible, pleasant thoroughly decent” man.
“How could they possibly have thought this monster lurked beneath that exterior.”
Andrew Dallas prosecuting said Brook was known to the six-year-old’s family and she would spend time at his home because they trusted him.
On March 5 her mother realised the little girl had left her juice behind and thought she might like some so went to Brook’s home. He answered the door in a partial state of undress and when she decided to take her daughter home the little girl revealed he had been abusing her.
That had included his raping her and getting her to touch him.
Brook described the girl to police as his “little friend” who kept him going and did not answer questions about what he had been doing with her.
Mr Dallas said subsequent to that arrest the other complaint came to light. They involved offences against another girl who visited Brook’s home when she was aged 8 to 11 in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Some of the offences had involved him touching her in his bedroom, others when she sat on his knee downstairs.
She had not spoken of what he did at that time but subsequently had to have counselling and had problems with relationships.
Anastasis Tassou representing Brook said he should be given credit for his guilty pleas saving the victims the ordeal of a trial.
He had worked as a miner for many years and had lung problems as a result. He was expecting a long sentence. “In his mind he believes he will never be released from prison.”
PC Sally Dale, of Kirklees Safeguarding Unit, said: "Brook was responsible for the sustained sexual abuse of a young girl over a two year period and we welcome the significant custodial sentence that he has been given today. Given his age, this sentence could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars.
"Cases of this nature are extremely traumatic both physically and mentally for the victims involved, as well as their wider families. The victim and her family have shown huge courage throughout this case and we hope that today's sentencing provides some comfort for them as they continue to deal with the impact of Brook's actions."
