R Kelly's victims say jail term too short but 'pleased he can't hurt anyone now'
30.06.2022 - 19:25
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing women, boys and girls for decades, as victims say it isn't enough.
One victim, who chose to remain anonymous, said the jail sentence is too short but they are "grateful" he has been held accountable and cannot hurt anyone else. In court, the disgraced singer was branded a "predator" who used his fame and fortune to "prey on the young, the vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification" following his conviction, writes the Mirror.
Federal prosecutors had called for him to be locked up for more than 25 years to "protect the public", but his defence had argued that 10 years or less is more suitable as he's "not currently a risk". The 55-year-old appeared in the dock as seven women spoke about the devastation he had caused, with one saying: "You destroyed so many people’s lives."
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During a trial last year, the rapper - whose full name is Robert Kelly - was convicted of federal racketeering and sex trafficking stemming from his efforts over decades to use his fame to ensnare victims he sexually abused. The Ignition hitmaker, who denied all charges, was found guilty on all nine counts against him following a six-week trial in Brooklyn, New York.
Speaking outside court following the verdict two women, who remained anonymous while reading their victim impact statements to the court, said they were “proud” of one another. Kelly was handed the sentence after being convicted on charges of racketeering and sex-trafficking in September last year.
The singer was branded “the