JOHN STEENSON JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS IN YORK FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
A man from York, identified as John Patrick Steenson, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl, an act that has left her life profoundly damaged.The court heard that Steenson, aged 60 and residing in Jewbury, engaged in a series of abusive acts that had long-lasting and devastating effects on his victim.
Prosecutor Jeremy Hill-Baker detailed that Steenson repeatedly subjected the young girl to sexual acts at a property in York, with the abuse occurring over a period of several months.
The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, first reported allegations against Steenson in 2003.
However, at that time, authorities did not pursue the case, believing she was too young to provide credible evidence.
It was only after a span of 17 years that the victim came forward again, this time to police, to report the abuse.
When questioned, Steenson vehemently denied the allegations.
He faced charges of two counts of gross indecency with a child.
Despite his denial, a jury found him guilty on both counts, leading to his conviction.
Steenson appeared in court on Thursday, 14 March, to be sentenced, fully aware that his fate was sealed.
Mr.
Hill-Baker explained that one of the charges involved multiple instances of indecency with a child, while the other related to a single incident.
The offences took place between late 2003 and early 2004.
The victim described the abuse as becoming 'routine' over a five-month period.
She recounted that during her early childhood, she was unable to understand why she felt so angry, given her young age at the time.
As she grew older, she began to suffer from anxiety and depression, struggles that persisted into her teenage years.
It was only later in life that she started to process what had happened to her and decided to come forward to law enforcement authorities.
Her mental health issues and the trauma from the abuse significantly impacted her education and her ability to form relationships.
Steenson’s disturbing sexual interests in children were not a recent development.
Prior to his conviction for abusing the girl, he had a history of inappropriate behaviour.
In 2022, he was convicted of making and distributing indecent images of minors, which resulted in a suspended prison sentence, a rehabilitation program, and a sexual-harm prevention order.
His online activities had been problematic for years, as evidenced by a caution he received in 2006 for similar offences involving indecent images of children.
The victim described the profound and lasting effects of the abuse, noting that it had led to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Her educational journey and mental health were severely affected, and she has faced ongoing difficulties in establishing relationships.
Her case underscores the severe impact such abuse can have on a person’s life.
During the hearing, defence barrister Nicholas Hammond highlighted that Steenson had maintained employment for most of his adult life and was currently in poor health.
However, Judge Simon Hickey did not hold back in his remarks, stating, “You clearly have an unhealthy interest in young children.” The judge emphasized the severity of the impact on the victim, describing her ongoing mental health struggles and her need to continually fight these issues.
Ultimately, Steenson was sentenced to seven years in prison.
He will serve only half of that term before being released on license.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a sexual-harm prevention order aimed at restricting his online activities and contact with children, in an effort to prevent further harm.
