NIGEL STEPHENS SENTENCED IN SHEPPEY AND SITTINGBOURNE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Sheppey and Sittingbourne, Nigel Daryl Stephens, aged 40, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving two young girls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of inappropriate conduct by Stephens, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing despite the evidence presented against him.

Stephens was convicted in January on five counts of indecent assault and three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, following a trial held in Sittingbourne. The allegations against him first surfaced in January 2008, but it was not until April 2011 that authorities managed to arrest him, highlighting a significant delay in the investigation process. During the trial, the defense, led by Janet Weekes, argued that because Stephens maintained his innocence and refused to admit guilt, the probation service was unable to recommend alternative sentencing options such as sex offender treatment programs. This stance ultimately influenced the court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence.

It was also disclosed that Stephens, who has been living in a caravan on Sheppey, had previously been acquitted of more serious charges, including allegations involving a third girl. Initially, he faced a total of 20 charges; however, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on some counts, and others resulted in acquittals or were dismissed by Judge Charles Byers. Despite these setbacks, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on the charges for which he was ultimately sentenced.

The court heard harrowing details of how Stephens had persistently and inappropriately touched the victims, causing significant concern for their safety and well-being. The presiding judge expressed his grave concern over such behaviour, emphasizing the vulnerability of young people and the lasting impact such abuse can have. "That is the sort of behaviour that rightly causes the public great concern because young people are obviously vulnerable," the judge stated. "One can never know how long it will take for a child to get over an experience such as that."

Furthermore, the judge criticized Stephens for showing no remorse during the proceedings, underscoring the seriousness of his actions. He pointed out that although the investigation had been delayed through no fault of Stephens, he could have chosen to plead guilty to the offences, which might have resulted in a different outcome. As part of his sentence, Stephens will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.