ALAN STEER: ABINGDON PAEDOPHILE FACES JUSTICE AFTER VICTIMS' TRAGIC STORIES

In a case that has shocked the community of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Alan Steer, aged 83, has become the focus of intense legal proceedings following his conviction for serious sexual offenses committed decades ago. The allegations against Steer, a man once known locally for running a bed and breakfast hotel, date back to the 1970s and involve two young girls aged between eight and 11. His crimes, which spanned over a period of time, were brought to light after a five-day trial at Oxford Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty of five counts, including three of gross indecency with a child and two of indecent assault. Despite his conviction, Steer maintained his innocence, claiming that he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice and that the accusations were based on lies from his former victims.

Following his sentencing, Steer’s case took a controversial turn as he launched a civil lawsuit in the High Court, seeking up to £5 million in damages. He accused one of his victims, who cannot be publicly identified, of being responsible for his wife Doreen’s death in 2015, claiming she died of a “broken heart” caused by the stress of his imprisonment. Steer, who was incarcerated at the time, recounted that his wife’s health deteriorated significantly after the allegations surfaced. He described her suffering, stating, “She stopped eating proper meals, shrunk from 13 stone to 7 stone, and had all her lovely brown hair cut off into a man’s hairstyle.”

He further claimed that she was taken to the hospital, where she tragically died in the tunnel of the CT scanning unit. Steer expressed his frustration at being unable to attend her funeral or his son’s wedding in the United States due to his imprisonment. In his court filings, he insisted that his conviction was unjust and based on falsehoods, asserting that the legal process had unfairly tarnished his reputation.

Legal representatives for the victim, who is seeking £80,000 in damages for post-traumatic stress disorder, emphasized that Steer had been convicted by a jury after a thorough trial. Caroline Cross, representing her, stated, “He was convicted by a jury following a criminal trial of two counts of abuse against her.” The court has yet to determine the outcome of Steer’s civil claims, and a decision is expected at a later date.

In addition to the civil proceedings, Steer’s criminal case drew widespread attention in January 2014, when he was sentenced to five years in prison. The sentencing followed a conviction for three counts of indecency with a child and two counts of sexual assault. The victims’ families expressed relief and satisfaction with the verdict, with the husband of one victim stating, “We are happy with the sentence. He didn’t take responsibility for what he did in the trial, he has shown no remorse, and he got what he deserved.” Judge Patrick Eccles, who presided over the case, highlighted the long-lasting impact of Steer’s actions, noting that the offenses had caused the victims significant psychological trauma that persisted for decades. The judge also acknowledged the victims’ courage in speaking out and emphasized the importance of justice.

Throughout the trial, Steer denied all charges, maintaining that he was innocent. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty on five counts after deliberating for approximately 14 and a half hours. He was acquitted on an additional five counts, and one count of indecent assault resulted in a hung jury. Steer was ordered to sign the sex offenders register, although the judge decided against issuing a sexual offences prevention order due to his age. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Abingdon, with many residents expressing their outrage and disappointment at the crimes committed by someone they once knew.

As the legal proceedings continue, Steer is scheduled for sentencing on January 10. The court has indicated that a prison term is likely, and the community awaits the final judgment, hoping for closure for the victims and their families. The case serves as a stark reminder of the enduring effects of childhood abuse and the importance of justice in addressing such heinous crimes.