WIREDGOV

A locksmith from Hull who sexually abused and raped children in Kenya has been sentenced to 18 and a half years in prison following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

Over a number of years, Keith Morris, 72, befriended and helped vulnerable families in a rural village in Kilifi County, Kenya, positioning himself as a father figure for local children.

He was convicted of ten child abuse offences using Section 72 of the Sexual Offences Act - legislation which allows British nationals to be prosecuted in the UK for offences committed overseas.

NCA officers, working with the Kenyan National Police, identified that Morris frequently took the children away for trips where he would buy them gifts and stay with them in hotel rooms.

It was on these trips taken between January 2016 and February 2017 when Morris would conduct his abuse.

One of his young victims gave evidence via video link during his trial and described how Morris, known to her as ‘Mozzy’, had done “bad things” to her when they were staying at a hotel. He then told her she would be in trouble if she told anyone about it.

His inappropriate behaviour with children was reported by another British national staying in Kenya in January 2017. Morris was arrested by NCA officers the same month when he returned to the UK.

After being released on bail, he transferred money to associates in Kenya in exchange for helping him to prove his innocence.

In addition, officers conducting a further search of his home in August 2017 seized a Dictaphone containing audio recordings of phone conversations made after his arrest. In these recordings, he asks his victims to sign retraction statements stating he is a good man.

Morris denied the charges against him but on 22 May after a three and a half week trial at Leeds Crown Court, he was convicted by a jury of ten child abuse offences and two counts of perverting the course of justice.

The NCA deployed to Kenya to support and facilitate 14 victims and witnesses giving evidence in the trial in the UK.

Graham Ellis, NCA operations manager, yesterday said: “Keith Morris targeted vulnerable families in Kenya and built their trust through the provision of clothing and utilities and paying for medical care.

“He then used these relationships to abuse and rape their children.

“I must commend the bravery of his young victims who gave evidence against him in court and personally thank them for the courage they’ve shown.

“The sentence handed down to Morris today reflects the abhorrent nature of his crimes.

“Transnational child sex offenders like Morris think that by conducting their abuse in a remote part of the world, they won’t get caught. However borders are not a barrier and the NCA works closely with international partners to target UK nationals who commit these offences against victims from vulnerable overseas communities.

“Anyone who has information on Morris’s offending should contact the NCA on 01925 663355. Alternatively, you can email op.shoran@nca.x.gsi.gov.uk.”

Confidential support and advice is available for anyone effected by abuse in their childhood from the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) on 0808 801 0331.