COLIN STEVENS SENTENCED IN BRIDPORT AND LYME REGIS CASE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bridport and Lyme Regis, Colin Stevens, a 53-year-old outdoor pursuits instructor, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of two young girls. The court also imposed a ban on Stevens from working with children in the future, highlighting the severity of his crimes and the breach of trust involved.

During the proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, it was revealed that Stevens had exploited his position as an instructor at the old St Albans outdoor pursuits and education centre, located in Lyme Regis, to establish inappropriate relationships with the girls. His misconduct spanned over a decade, with the offences occurring between 10 and 12 years ago. The court heard how Stevens, who had previously been a teacher for 27 years, manipulated the young girls, leading to sexual encounters that have now been condemned as criminal acts.

The first victim, who was 15 at the time of their initial contact, met Stevens when he was 41. Over time, he cultivated a friendship with her, which eventually turned into inappropriate physical contact, including kissing and touching. The girl would often go on trips with Stevens, falsely telling her parents that other children were accompanying her, which allowed him to continue his abuse. This relationship ended when she entered into a different romantic relationship.

The second girl, who was only 13, was targeted after Stevens broke down emotionally in front of her, citing issues with his marriage. He then began to sexually pursue her, taking her to secluded woods at Seaton and Honiton to carry out sexual acts. The girl described her initial experience as terrifying, crying uncontrollably and being so distressed that Stevens covered her mouth with a cloth during their first sexual encounter.

When questioned by police, Stevens, residing at St Andrews Well, Bridport, expressed a warped belief that the younger girl wanted to have sex with him and considered himself her 'first.' Prosecutor Adam Vaitilingam emphasized that these acts were committed in a context of manipulation and exploitation.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Graham Cottle emphasized the breach of trust involved in Stevens's actions. He stated, “At the times these offences were committed, you were in a position of trust. You exploited both these girls and manipulated situations so you could take advantage of them. I am concerned about the continuing risk you might pose to children if you were to have direct contact with them or be placed in a position of trust again.”

Stevens pleaded guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault, though he denied a charge of rape, which the Crown accepted. The court heard that Stevens expressed remorse for the distress caused to the girls, who, a decade later, still did not wish to participate in activities related to the centre. His defense lawyer, Geoffrey Still, argued that Stevens’s actions were influenced by personal turmoil, including the breakdown of his marriage and witnessing the Lyme canoeing disaster in 1992, which resulted in four fatalities.

The centre where Stevens worked, previously known as St Albans, was sold in 1998 to Lymegate and is now operated as the Woodberry Down activity and field studies centre. At the time of the trial, none of the current staff at the centre were familiar with Stevens or his history, underscoring the importance of safeguarding measures and background checks in such environments.