Alleged victim gives evidence in trial of man accused of raping child

Friday 23 June 2023

A woman who alleges she was repeatedly raped and sexually abused as a child over a number of years has pointed out that she had no reason to make up the claims in the Royal Court.

She was answering defence questions about her allegations during the trial of 56-year-old Paul Kelly.

Mr Kelly, originally from Liverpool, denies 10 counts of rape, 19 counts of sexually touching or encouraging a child to sexually touch him, and one of grave and criminal assault.

The woman explained that when the abuse began she had not understood what was happening or that it was wrong. But as she got older she became more able to stand up for herself.

She said: "Previously I had just submitted to his behaviour. But there were times when I was quite clear that I wasn’t doing this."

It was on one of these occasions that she said Mr Kelly had pushed her head under water. "I didn’t know if he was trying to drown me. I was terrified."

The prosecution in the case argue that the incident constitutes grave and criminal assault.

Advocate Mark Boothman, defending Mr Kelly, asked the woman under cross-examination: "He said he never pushed your head under water. Are you making that up?"

She said: "I’m not making it up."

The woman said she had suffered mental health problems as a result of the abuse and Advocate Boothman asked: "Did the voices in your head tell you to make up the allegations?"

She said: "No."

The advocate said: "He said he didn’t rape you. He said he didn’t sexually assault you. Is he correct?"

She replied: "He did rape and sexually abuse me. He terrified me."

Asked why she had not reported the abuse earlier, she said: "I wouldn’t be believed. I told the truth and it cost me everything. I was isolated for years and years and years."

She added: "I would have nothing to gain from making up these allegations. I want to protect other children. I feel it is my responsibility to protect others."

The trial continues, and is expected to last into next week.

SUPPORT...

Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:

SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222. 

Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.

Jersey Women’s Refuge offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.

Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496. 

Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612. 

Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).