A COVENTRY man has been jailed for a string of historical sexual offences dating back to the 1970s and 80s.
David Keeney was in his 20s when he used his friendship with a family to groom two children for his own sexual gratification.
The assaults spanned over a decade.
The offences only came to light when one of his victims contacted the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse – Operation Hydrant – in 2019 and disclosed the abuse.
Officers from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit investigated the allegations and identified a further victim.
Keeney, from Corporation Street, was convicted of 18 counts of sexual assault at Coventry Crown Court last month and has been sentenced to six years in prison. The 73-year-old was acquitted of one count of rape.
Det Con Jon Barker said: “The victims in this case were affected for many years by what had happened.
“They had to undergo counselling and it took a great deal of bravery to come forward.
“Allegations of this nature will always be taken seriously by our officers no matter how many years have passed and I hope this conviction proves that it is never too late to tell your story.”
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse can visit https://west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/sexual-assault for help, advice, information and support.
