CLYDE STEVENS SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEIGH AND BEDFORD

In a case that has spanned decades, Clyde Stevens, a man from Leigh, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of serious sexual offenses. The crimes, which include abuse committed in Bedford during the early 1970s and a subsequent assault in 2015, have brought to light a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years.

Stevens, now aged 60, was initially accused of abusing a young girl in Bedford when she was between the ages of nine and 18. These offenses remained unreported for many years, with the victim only coming forward after the 2015 incident when she was 54 years old. It was then that she reported the assault to the police, prompting a thorough investigation.

During the court proceedings, Stevens, who resides in Leigh, Wigan, Manchester, pleaded not guilty to nine charges. Despite his denial, a jury at Luton Crown Court found him guilty earlier this year. The charges included four counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, and one count of assault by penetration. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim.

Judge Barbara Mensah presided over the case and sentenced Stevens to ten years in prison on the final day of the trial. In her remarks, she highlighted the disturbing nature of his character, stating, “Your own psychiatrist has described you as manipulative and devious. You are still unable to accept the reality of the matter.”

Defense lawyer Matthew Harding argued that Stevens, an intelligent and professional man, would be vulnerable in a custodial environment and that the prison sentence would be a significant hardship for him. Meanwhile, the prosecution, represented by Wayne Cleaver, presented a powerful impact statement from the victim, who expressed her inability to forgive Stevens. She revealed that she had sought counseling over the years and had been making progress until their paths crossed again in 2015, when he assaulted her once more.

The case also revealed that Stevens' abuse began when the victim was just nine years old, with the initial offenses occurring during the 1970s in Bedfordshire. The victim’s courage in coming forward after decades of silence was praised by authorities, with Detective Constable Jenny Bryce emphasizing the importance of reporting such heinous crimes regardless of how much time has passed. She stated, “This was a case of sickening and recurring abuse and I am pleased that Stevens has been found guilty. I hope this verdict will be of some comfort to the victim, and shows that it is never too late to report abuse. We absolutely will not tolerate any sexual abuse and we are committed to tackling these heinous crimes, supporting the victims and bringing those responsible to justice.”

Stevens is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, marking the culmination of a long and painful journey for the victim and a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in cases of sexual abuse.