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A 56-year-old man has been found guilty of making a teenage girl perform sex acts in return for cigarettes or phone credit, and inappropriately touching a younger girl under the pretext of ‘play fighting’.
Ricky Derek Knight denied nine counts of indecent assault and five counts of gross indecency with a child relating to two female victims over a five-year period.
However, after a six-day trial in the Royal Court, a jury this afternoon found him guilty of the offences. Knight will be sentenced later this year.
During the trial, Crown Advocate Simon Thomas explained that Knight took an "unnatural interest" in the appearance of his young victims.
Appearing via video link, the older of the two girls told the jury that Knight had bought her cigarettes or credits for her mobile phone in return for the sex acts she was made to perform on him. He later performed sex acts against her, the court heard.
Knight was also accused of touching the younger girl’s breasts - sometimes during 'play fights' - and once of touching her between her legs, above her clothing.
Knight was arrested and interviewed in December 2021.
At the time, he said he had no sexual interest in children, the court heard. However, he admitted occasionally touching the younger girl’s breasts by accident, and claimed he had always apologised afterwards.
Today, Police praised the "immense amount of courage" of the victims, who were supported throughout by specially trained staff.
Detective Constable Jo Le Maistre said: “We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that they will be listen to and believed, no matter how long ago the offences took place. There are a number of agencies who offer support and guidance to those who have been victims to sexual abuse.
“We continue to work alongside partners, especially support and advocacy services such as the SARC, JAAR and the Jersey Women’s Refuge, to encourage victims of sexual crime to report such incidents.”
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. Tel: 01534 482801.
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. Call 0800 7351612.
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