Children's charity condemns Burnley paedophile's 'sickening' actions

Kennedy, of Dunoon Street, Burnley, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Burnley Crown Court today.

He was given an eight-year extended licence, a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Kennedy’s sickening actions will have had a damaging effect on his young victims and it is right that he is now behind bars.

“Kennedy’s conniving efforts to lure these young children to his home where he subjected them to horrific abuse is a timely reminder to us all to be vigilant for the signs of abuse and grooming.

“Child sexual abuse can have life-long effects on victims. That’s why the NSPCC is visiting primary schools across the country with its ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ service, empowering children to protect themselves from abuse and to speak out if they ever experience it.

“We want anyone who has suffered abuse to know they will be listened to. They can contact the NSPCC helpline in confidence, 24 hours a day seven days a week, on 0800 808 5000 or via. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk”

Kennedy was arrested by police in November and charged with two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard the offences, between October 1st and October 31st, related to two boys and two girls aged 10 and under. Kennedy pleaded guilty to the above offences and was sentenced at court.