Christopher May prosecutes Neil McKenna, who was recently sentenced to 22 years by Judge MacDonald Q.C. at Maidstone Crown Court.

On 27 November 2015, Neil McKenna was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment by Judge MacDonald Q.C.

A paedophile former soccer coach who preyed on young boys to sexually abuse them over three decades has been jailed for 22 years.  Under an extended sentence for public protection, Neil McKenna, 70, will stay behind bars for more than 14 years before the parole board will consider whether it is safe to release him.

“The incredible evil of these offences is they affect people’s lives,” said Judge Charles Macdonald QC.

It was revealed that McKenna was working as a taxi driver during his trial - taking two children on the school run - in breach of his bail conditions.

McKenna was convicted on October 15 of abusing four boys, one of whom was repeatedly raped.

He was convicted of four offences of rape, 12 of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child and acquitted of the remaining charges.He denied six charges of rape, 17 of indecent assault on a male and one of indecency with a child between 1976 and 2006.

Prosecutor Christopher May said McKenna used his position as a coach to gain the boys’ trust.

“Over a period of time he then took advantage of the opportunity afforded to him to abuse them sexually,” he told Maidstone Crown Court.

Read the KentOnline's full article here.

Christopher May is a heavyweight criminal barrister instructed in some of the most serious, and often high profile criminal cases either as the leading junior or sole advocate.