Two men from Weymouth have been jailed for sexually abusing girls.
Kenneth James Rogers, 59 and of Weymouth, previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of rape of a child under the age of 16, one count of rape of a child under the age of 13, indecent assault, assault of a child under the age of 13 and possession of indecent images of a child.
He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 8 February 2022 to 27 years in prison.
Michael John Rogers, 56 and of Weymouth, was found guilty on Tuesday 11 January 2022 of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 16 and one count of attempted witness intimidation following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
He also appeared for sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 8 February 2022 and was jailed for eight years and nine months.
The investigation began in January 2020 after two of the victims made a disclosure to police.
It was later established that Kenneth Rogers’ offending was committed over a period of three decades, spanning from the 1980s to the 2000s, involving three different victims.
Kenneth Rogers was arrested on Thursday 6 February 2020 and interviewed, where he admitted sexually touching his victims.
A few days later on Monday 10 February 2020 Michael Rogers attended Weymouth police station and was arrested and subsequently released on police bail. While on bail, he made threats toward one of the victims.
Michael Rogers was found to have raped his victim twice during the 1980s.
Detective Constable Stuart Beasley, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I would like to praise the four victims in this case for their bravery when coming forward to report what happened to them to police.
“They have all showed great courage while supporting the investigation and helping to ensure that both defendants were jailed for their terrible actions.
“I hope this case encourages others to find the strength to come forward to report any sexual abuse to the police to allow for a thorough investigation to be carried out.
“I am pleased that both Kenneth and Michael Rogers are now serving prison terms for their despicable offending.”
Kenneth James Rogers, left, and Michael John Rogers, 9 February 2022
How to report child abuse:
Dorset Police: For non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online where you can pass on the details of your concerns to us using the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger please dial 999.
Crimestoppers: Call anonymously on 0800 555 111
Local Children’s Social Care:
STARS Dorset www.starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service / 01202 308858
The Shores – Dorset SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) 01202 552 056
BCP Council 01202 093131
Dorset Council (Children’s Advice and Duty Service) 01305 228866
You can also report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk
For more information visit:
• Child Online Safety Advice: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/crime-prevention-help-advice/cyber-crime/child-online-safety/
• NWG: http://www.nwgnetwork.org/
• Barnardos: http://www.barnardos.org.uk
• NSPCC 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk, www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation
• National Helpline for male victims of CSE: 07808 863 662
• UK safer internet centre website: www.saferinternet.org.uk
• CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• Concerned about your thoughts or behaviour? Visit: www.stopitnow.org.uk
• Child Online Safety: www.internetmatters.org