"Evil" child rapist jailed for 28 years

A prolific paedophile has been described by a judge as one of the most evil criminals he has ever encountered as he jailed him for 28 years.

Keith Phillips, 64, raped and sexually abused five children over several decades.

He expressed no remorse as he appeared at York Crown Court, where he was brought to justice following an extensive investigation by York CID.

Phillips, of Huntington, York, and previously of Selby, was convicted after his victims summoned the strength to come forward and reveal what he had done.

He denied five rape charges, nine indecent assault charges, and charges of sexual assault of a girl under 13 and sexual activity with a child.  Some of the charges covered multiple offences.

However, a jury found him guilty of all 68 offences and he was sentenced on Friday.

A judge said he was “one of the most evil defendants” he had ever encountered as Phillips was sentenced to 28 years in prison plus an extended licence period, to protect the public.

Detective Constable Alyson Thompson said after the hearing: “The judge described Phillips as one of the most evil offenders he’d ever dealt with, and I would echo that. His lack of remorse after decades of unimaginable abuse shows the true extent of his wickedness.

“It’s 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 – it’s 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.

“We have support services and specially-trained offices to help people consider their options and work through what has happened to them,” she added. “We are here to help, regardless of how long ago the offences happened.”

If you are a victim of abuse, please do not suffer in silence. You can report it through any of the following methods:

• Please contact the police on 101.
• If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response
• Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to bridgehousesarc.org/
• You can also contact Supporting Victims direct at supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100