Sex offender Kenneth Downey sentenced for grooming, abusing 11-year-old boy

A “manipulative” child abuser who groomed an 11-year-old boy buying him matching undies and bed linen had previously been jailed for raping a teenager.

A possessive child abuser who groomed an 11-year-old boy, buying him matching underwear and dyeing his hair the same colour as his own had a history of sexual offending, a court has been told.

Kenneth Norman Downey, 60, faced Brisbane District Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the boy over 10 months at a Deception Bay home in 2018.

Prosecutor James Marxson said that Downey repeatedly touched the boy inappropriately, exposed him to explicit videos and forced oral sex on him throughout the almost daily abuse.

Kenneth Norman Downey was sentenced to six years’ jail for the protracted abuse.

Mr Marxson said Downey threatened the child in a bid to keep him quiet and acted aggressively, calling him vile names when the child refused to take part.

“Mr Downey showed elements of possession and control over the complainant such as having the complainant’s hair dyed the same colour (as his), buying him matching underwear and bed sheets, Mr Marxson said.

“He also manipulated the complainant by saying he would be responsible for any violence or death that might occur …”

The court was told that Downey had a history of sexual offending against children.

In 2009 he was sentenced to 4.5 years’ jail for raping a teenage girl and for sexually abusing another teenager.

Downey pleaded guilty to maintaining a relationship with a child under 12, common assault and six counts of indecent treatment of a child.

Barrister Kylie Hillard said Downey believed he was falling in love with the boy and that he was in a “reciprocated relationship”.

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Ms Hillard said Downey was remorseful for his behaviour and told the court he had an extremely difficult childhood and many health issues.

Judge Deborah Richards sentenced Downey to six years’ jail for his persistent offending.

“You took advantage of the good will of the family … to abuse their son,” Judge Richards said.

“You were manipulative, you were aggressive, you were coercive, you were controlling.”

Downey will be eligible for parole after serving two years behind bars.

*For 24-hour sexual violence support call the national hotline 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or MensLine on 1800 600 636.