Saturday, December 25, 2010

British disabled man found guilty of sex attacks on two other disabled men

From BBC News:

A disabled man has been found guilty of carrying out sex attacks on two severely physically disabled men.

Christopher Killick, 47, of south-west London, targeted his victims because he thought "they would never be able to complain", the Old Bailey heard.

Killick, of Roehampton, was convicted of sexually assaulting the men between 1991 and 2005.

The men, who suffer from cerebral palsy, gave evidence in court using an intermediary and technology.

Killick, who also suffers from cerebral palsy, did not give evidence.

'Dangerous and manipulative'

He was cleared of raping a third man, who was also severely disabled and used a specialised voice machine to communicate.

Killick was more physically able when he carried out the attacks and befriended the victims before assaulting them, Johannah Cutts QC, prosecuting, said.

She said: "Christopher Killick has socialised and worked within the disabled community for many years.

"He abused his friendship with these complainants and took advantage of their difficulties.

"He forced himself sexually on men who could do nothing to prevent it and whom he believed would never be able to complain or tell others what had happened to them."

Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London, praised the "patience and determination" of the victims for testifying.

She said: "Without them, Christopher Killick would never have faced the consequences of his actions.

"He is a very dangerous and manipulative man."

Killick will be sentenced in January.