CAMBORNE, UK – June 26, 2025A man from Camborne has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young boys under the age of 13. Kevin Matthew Blake, 41, of Rosewarne Wollas Cottages, was found guilty by a jury of four counts of sexual assault involving a child, following a harrowing trial at Truro Crown Court.
Blake appeared in court for sentencing on Thursday, June 26, where in addition to the custodial sentence, he was made the subject of a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), a measure designed to limit his access to children and restrict certain behaviors following release.
The Investigation
Blake’s abuse came to light in 2023, when concerns were raised by community members and professionals after he repeatedly refused to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check—a standard safeguarding process in the UK used to assess the suitability of individuals working with children or vulnerable adults. His refusal triggered suspicions and led to a police investigation.
Detectives from the Devon and Cornwall Police Child Protection Unit soon identified two male victims. Both victims disclosed distressing accounts of sexual touching perpetrated by Blake. The second victim, in particular, described multiple occasions on which the abuse occurred.
The court heard that Blake categorically denied the allegations during interviews following his arrest. He offered no admissions and maintained that no abuse had taken place. However, the jury found the testimonies of the victims credible, and his denials were ultimately dismissed as false.
Prior Offending and Safeguarding Failures
Disturbingly, it was revealed during proceedings that Blake had previously been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, although he was no longer subject to registration requirements at the time of the latest offenses. This revelation has prompted public concern and calls for tighter monitoring of individuals with historical sexual offenses, especially when working in or around environments with children.
The court was told that despite Blake’s prior listing on the register, no flag had been raised in recent years due to the expiration of his original notification period. The fact that he was able to remain in contact with children without being required to undergo a background check has raised troubling questions about loopholes in safeguarding protocols.
Sentencing Remarks and Community Reaction
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Robert Linford described Blake as a predator who breached the trust of children and their families. The judge commended the bravery of the two victims in coming forward and speaking the truth, despite the trauma and fear such disclosures often bring.
“You deliberately placed yourself in situations where you could exploit vulnerable children,” Judge Linford said. “Your refusal to undergo a DBS check was not coincidental — it was calculated. Your actions have caused significant and long-lasting harm, and a custodial sentence is not only appropriate but necessary.”
In addition to the six-year prison term and SHPO, Blake will also be placed back on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. The Sexual Harm Prevention Order will include restrictions on his internet use, contact with minors, and employment, among others.
Victim Support and Safeguarding Review
Both victims and their families have received support from specialist agencies. Devon and Cornwall Police issued a public statement following the sentencing, urging anyone with concerns about similar behavior to come forward.
“This case highlights the importance of listening to young people and taking safeguarding concerns seriously,” a spokesperson said. “We commend the courage of the victims, and we hope this sentence brings some measure of justice and closure.”
Local safeguarding boards are now conducting a review to determine how Blake was able to avoid scrutiny for as long as he did, and whether changes in protocol are needed to prevent similar cases in the future.
A Message to the Community
The case of Kevin Matthew Blake is a painful reminder that child sexual abuse remains a deeply serious issue that demands vigilance, transparency, and accountability. As Camborne and surrounding communities process this outcome, the message from law enforcement and support services remains clear: “If you see something, say something.”
Anyone with information about child abuse or concerns about someone’s behavior toward minors is encouraged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police or call Childline at 0800 1111.
