JOHN STONE GOSPORT PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Gosport, John Stone, a man aged 50, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for the heinous sexual abuse of three young girls. The crimes, which spanned from 1987 to 1995, involved the victimization of girls all under the age of 14, and took place within the town of Gosport itself.

For many years following the offences, Stone believed he had successfully evaded justice, living under the illusion that his crimes would never be uncovered. However, the truth surfaced when one of his victims, driven by courage and a desire for justice, approached the police. Her report prompted a thorough investigation that eventually revealed the full extent of Stone’s disturbing past.

Despite the mounting evidence and his conviction, John Stone continues to deny any wrongdoing. He maintains that he has done nothing wrong, refusing to accept responsibility for the abuse he inflicted. His stance has been met with frustration from law enforcement officials and victims alike, who have expressed their disappointment at his apparent lack of remorse.

Detective Constable Pete Lavin, a member of the Gosport CID, commented on Stone’s attitude, stating, “John Stone hasn’t shown any remorse. He is still denying that he has committed these offences. For a number of years, he felt that he had got away with these crimes.”

Stone was brought before Portsmouth Crown Court, where he faced a six-day trial. The court found him guilty of one count of rape and five counts of indecent assault. The offences, which involved three women now in their 30s, occurred in Gosport and were committed over an eight-year period. The victims, all under 14 at the time, had to confront their abuser in court as they recounted their traumatic experiences to the jury.

The investigation was initiated in 2009 after one of the women confided in her partner, who then contacted the police. As the inquiry progressed, detectives uncovered two additional victims, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse by Stone. The victims displayed remarkable bravery in coming forward, despite the long delay since the offences occurred, and their testimonies were described as courageous by Det Con Lavin. “I would like to say how courageous the victims have been in coming forward,” he said. “Albeit there was a long delay since the offences, they showed courage and strength at the trial. They gave evidence in very difficult circumstances.”

One particularly disturbing incident involved Stone allegedly giving alcohol to a young girl before subjecting her to rape. The court proceedings allowed the victims to finally face their abuser and share their painful stories, which has brought a sense of relief and closure. Det Con Lavin emphasized the importance of justice, stating, “The three women are extremely relieved that justice has been done. They have lived with this and carried around these feelings for a number of years. They are relieved to have got this off their chest so that they can finally move on with their lives.”

As Stone begins his sentence, the community of Gosport is left to grapple with the aftermath of these revelations, and the victims are now on a path toward healing after enduring years of silence and suffering.