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Stratford man jailed for 29 years as Safeline highlights sexual abuse justice failings
A Stratford man has been jailed for 29 years, but Safeline warns that most survivors of sexual abuse continue to face a criminal justice system that fails them.
Rape and sexual abuse are increasingly going unpunished, with just 0.86% of accused offenders convicted. Survivors face long delays, retraumatising legal processes, and a justice system that often fails to hold perpetrators accountable. This year, Safeline supported 690 survivors through the criminal justice process. Of these cases, only 34 resulted in charges, and six led to convictions. The 656 survivors whose cases did not progress were left devastated.
For those who do reach court, the process is slow and unpredictable. The average wait from reporting to trial is 1,745 days – nearly five years – with some cases taking as long as six years. Trials are often postponed multiple times, with one survivor experiencing six cancellations, including one minutes before she was due to appear.
“The whole process has been more traumatic than the actual rape. I have zero belief in the legal justice system,”
Survivor supported by Safeline’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocates
With trial dates now being set for 2028, 70% of survivors are withdrawing from the criminal justice process entirely, citing emotional strain and frustration.
Stratford man arrested and sentenced for child sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, a rare example of justice came in Stratford, where 61-year-old Keith Stanley was sentenced to 29 years in prison for sexually abusing two girls. Stanley was first arrested in March after a teenage girl reported abuse spanning five years. Shortly afterward, a second victim, abused over 20 years ago, came forward. He was charged with 14 additional offences.
Detective Constable Ellena Psomadakis praised the bravery of the victims and the work of the investigation team:
“I would like to highlight the extraordinary bravery of the two victims who came forward and helped us to build up a strong case… Stanley is a dangerous predator, and we welcome the fact that he may now be in prison for the rest of his life.”
Stanley was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on 14 November 2025 and will serve 29 years in prison, with six years on licence.
The Role of Safeline
At Safeline, we are committed to supporting survivors every step of the way, from the moment they disclose abuse to navigating the criminal justice system. Our ISVA advocates provide emotional and practical support, helping survivors prepare for court and cope with the long, often painful legal process.
Cases like Keith Stanley’s show the importance of survivor bravery, skilled policing, and strong advocacy. But they are exceptions, not the rule. We will continue to campaign for systemic change to ensure that every survivor has access to justice and that perpetrators are held accountable.
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