Former soldier from Cannock jailed for sexually abusing young girl

Keith Brady pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to two charges of sexually assaulting a child and two of possessing extreme pornography.

Brady, 31, formerly of High Street, Norton Canes, also admitted possessing prohibited ammunition – 40 Radway Green 5.56mm bullets he had kept hold of from his time in the Army.

Prosecutor Matthew Barnes told the court that Brady, who was living in Solihull at the time of the offences, had touched a young girl intimately.

But he told her police were bad people, and not to tell anyone what he had done or the police would come.

However,the girl subsequently informed her grandmother about what had happened, and the NSPCC were contacted.

The police were informed, and Brady was arrested, but denied sexually assaulting the girl – saying such things made him feel sick.

But in what he called his ‘fishing book,’ it was found he had made a number of disturbing entries, including some website names and a list of sexual words, said Mr Barnes.

The police found more than 500 images of extreme pornography showing acts of bestiality on Brady's laptop.

They also discovered 40 rounds of ammunition the former soldier had kept from his time in the Army, added Mr Barnes.

Brady was jailed for seven years and two months, of which he will have to serve at least two-thirds, and will then only be freed before serving the whole term if the Parole Board considers it safe to do so.

He will remain on licence for the rest of that period – and for a further six years, during which time he can be recalled to prison if his behaviour gives any cause for concern.

Jailing Brady, and ordering him to register as a sex offender for life, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said: “You subjected her to the most appalling abuse, and in the background was the most sinister and worrying material.”

He said Brady had gained sexual satisfaction from ‘the most depraved images’ of women involved in sex acts with animals.

The judge added: “Day after day these courts hear of material which is disturbing, but this is in a different category. You were in possession of 500-odd images of bestiality.

“You were also in possession of ammunition you plainly held on to after a shooting exercise when you were a soldier.

“Let us hope this child does not have life-long problems as a result of the actions by you.

"This case shows you can, and did, cause serious psychological harm.

“I am wholly satisfied you present a real and present danger to young children.

"This is a danger I can see no real end to. I therefore find you are a dangerous offender.”