Keith Sterling: Rapist Jailed For 17 Years After Sexually Abusing Young Girl

A rapist who also sexually abused a young girl has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sex offenses.

Keith Sterling's abuse occurred several years ago while he resided in Darlington. Teesside Crown Court heard how Sterling inflicted significant damage on the lives of his victims and continues to deny his crimes. Rebecca Brown, prosecuting, revealed that one of the rapes happened while the victim was asleep. In her victim impact statement, the woman stated that Sterling's abuse has profoundly impacted her mental health and she will carry the pain "to her grave."

The child victim shared that Sterling's abuse has made it difficult for her to process what happened and she still struggles to articulate its impact. She expressed ongoing mistrust of adult males as a result of his actions. The 46-year-old, from Roker Place in Darlington, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault on a child following a trial at the same court.

Tony Davis, representing Sterling, stated that his client maintains his innocence and has consistently denied responsibility for the offenses throughout the legal proceedings. Recorder Aisha Wadoodi imposed a total sentence of 17 years for all offenses, emphasizing the repeated pattern of sexual offending as reflected in the jury's verdicts.

Sterling was also subjected to lifelong restraining orders, a sexual harm prevention order, and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.