Kenneth John Preston

A former Royal Air Force (RAF) sergeant, Kenneth John Preston, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for historical sexual offences committed more than 40 years ago against a junior officer. The case, investigated by Dyfed-Powys Police, highlights the challenges and persistence required in pursuing non-recent abuse allegations, particularly within a military context where rank and hierarchy can silence victims.

The offences occurred in the 1970s at a now-defunct RAF base in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Preston, who was a senior officer at the time, targeted a young recruit who was still a teenager. According to court details, Preston took the victim to secluded areas on the base to carry out the assaults, exploiting his authority to perpetrate the abuse on multiple occasions. He further intimidated the victim by threatening to 'make his life hell' if the incidents were reported, contributing to the victim's silence for decades. Both Preston and the victim were eventually discharged from the military, but no formal complaint was made to police until 2017, when the victim reported the abuse to another police force.

Dyfed-Powys Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched a three-year investigation despite significant evidential hurdles. As Detective Constable Ben Staniforth noted in a statement following the conviction, 'There are many reasons victims do not come forward until many years have passed. In this case, going against the military rank system and accusing a senior officer.' The investigation faced limitations including the absence of CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and accessible military records from the era. Initial steps involved confirming Preston's status; at over 77 years old and residing in Cornwall, he was found to be alive, allowing for potential charges. Preston was interviewed and provided a prepared statement admitting to sexual activity with the victim but claiming it was consensual. This admission, combined with the victim's consistent accounts shared over the years with family, friends, and a general practitioner (GP), formed crucial evidence leading to charges.

Preston was summonsed to Swansea Crown Court in May 2019 on five counts of indecent assault. Due to procedural delays, the trial proceeded in September 2020, where a jury found him guilty on all counts. Sentencing occurred on 18 September 2020, with Judge Geraint Walters imposing an 18-month custodial sentence. In addition to imprisonment, Preston, who was already registered as a sex offender from a separate prior case, must continue on the sex offenders' register and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order to mitigate future risks.

The conviction underscores evolving attitudes towards historical sexual abuse, particularly in institutional settings like the military. DC Staniforth commended the victim's bravery, stating, 'I would like to commend the victim for his bravery in speaking out against a senior who abused his position and caused him to lose his military career, and for his patience and cooperation during the investigation.' This case was reported by Dyfed-Powys Police on their official website, emphasising support for victims coming forward regardless of time elapsed.