Kenneth Paisley

Kenneth Paisley, a 68-year-old man formerly residing in Chatsworth Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offences against a child. The abuse, which spanned approximately six years, involved repeated rape and indecent assault, culminating in the victim becoming pregnant while still a minor.

In 2020, Lancashire Police received a report from the victim, now an adult woman, detailing the sexual abuse and rapes she endured as a child at the hands of Paisley. The investigation revealed that Paisley had exploited the young girl over an extended period, with the abuse leading to her pregnancy. Following his initial arrest and bail, DNA testing confirmed Paisley as the biological father of the victim's child. During further questioning, Paisley provided a prepared statement in which he admitted paternity but falsely claimed the sexual activity was consensual and instigated by the victim.

After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Paisley was charged with 13 counts, including rape, indecent assault, and three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl. Despite entering not guilty pleas, a jury at the trial convicted him on all counts earlier this month, seeing through his denials. In addition to the 22-year custodial sentence, Paisley was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

• The abuse occurred over six years, with the pregnancy resulting from rape when the victim was a child.
• Paisley was arrested in 2020 following the victim's report.
• DNA evidence linked him to the pregnancy.
• He was convicted on all 13 charges after a trial.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police commended the victim's bravery, stating in a statement: “We have told you about Paisley and his horrendous actions, but we must commend the victim today too. She was incredibly brave in coming forward and telling us about what happened to her. In her Victim Personal Statement, she told the court that Paisley stole her childhood. Despite this she gathered the courage to come forward and tell the court details of abuse she suffered. We don't doubt that that strength and courage assisted in bringing Paisley to justice.” The force added that the significant sentence provides some sense of justice for the victim, allowing her to move forward.

The case was reported by the Lancashire Evening Post on 3rd March 2026, highlighting the ongoing commitment of Lancashire Police to investigating sexual offences thoroughly.