Charles Kirkby

Charles Kirkby, a 39-year-old resident of St Thomas in Exeter, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on 13 June 2025 to two and a half years in prison for committing sexual offences against a child. The court heard that Kirkby, described as porn-obsessed, had groped a girl during a drunken sexual assault, uttering the words 'Do you want it?' to the victim. Police examination of his phone revealed that he had been viewing pornography both before and after the incident.

Kirkby pleaded guilty to two offences of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. Judge Stephen Climie, presiding over the case, described the victim's experience as a 'hideous experience' and emphasised that Kirkby's behaviour towards an innocent child was shameful. The judge accepted that the defendant showed remorse but noted that Kirkby would have to live with the shame for the rest of his life.

Following his sentencing, Kirkby was imprisoned at HMP Channings Wood near Newton Abbot. Tragically, he died in custody on 3 August 2025, less than two months after being locked up. The Prison & Probation Ombudsman launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death in September 2025, as is standard procedure for any death in custody. The investigation remains ongoing, and a report will be published upon completion.

This case was reported by Devon Live, highlighting the severity of child sexual offences and the consequences faced by perpetrators. The prosecuting authority involved Devon and Cornwall Police, based on the location in Exeter, Devon.