DEREK STEVENSON OF NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that spans over two decades, Derek Stevenson, a 65-year-old man from Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving children. The offences, which took place between 1988 and 2009, involved a total of eight young victims, some as young as five years old. Stevenson, who resides in Mendip Place, Knutton, was found guilty of 16 counts of sexual misconduct, including indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, and indecency with a child.

His crimes came to light after a lengthy investigation, culminating in his appearance at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on June 7. During the proceedings, Stevenson pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and two charges of indecency with a child. The court was informed that these offences occurred over a period of more than 20 years, deeply affecting the lives of the victims involved.

One of the victims, who testified during the trial, described the abuse as “evil and monstrous,” expressing feelings of dirtiness and disgust. The court heard that Stevenson’s abuse was not limited to a single incident but involved repeated assaults, including making one girl perform a sex act on him, engaging in sexual acts with another, and raping a schoolgirl on multiple occasions. The victims ranged in age from five to fifteen, and their lives have been profoundly impacted by his actions.

Prosecutor Kate Bex detailed the extent of Stevenson’s misconduct, stating, “The defendant sexually abused the seven complainants at various points during a 20-year period. He made the first victim feel as if the abuse was something she wanted rather than something she hated. He made threats to her to keep silent.”

Following his guilty plea, Stevenson was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. The judge, Paul Glenn, has ordered Stevenson to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and has prohibited him from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.

Judge Glenn emphasized the severity of Stevenson’s actions, stating, “Over a 20-year period, you sexually abused seven victims. Your abuse has had a severe psychological effect on the victims. You deny being attracted to children – and that contention is utterly ridiculous. You represent a high risk of serious harm to all children. You have ruined the lives of some of your victims and have deeply affected the lives of all of them. I sentence you as a sexual predator. You are quite prepared to offend against boys and girls for your own sexual gratification.”

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes to protect vulnerable members of society. Stevenson’s actions have left a lasting scar on his victims, and his sentencing aims to serve justice and prevent further harm.