ROBERT STEPHENS FROM BASINGSTOKE SENTENCED FOR EIGHT YEARS OF ABUSE AT SOUTH HAM SCHOOL

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Basingstoke, Robert Stephens, a man residing on St Michael’s Road in South Ham, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes, which spanned over eight years, date back to 1974 and were finally brought to light after a thorough investigation and a conviction at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, 4 January.

Stephens, aged 80, was found guilty on eight counts of historical abuse, with the court hearing disturbing details of how he groomed his victim with sweets and money before luring her to his workplace—a school where he served as a caretaker—during weekends. It was at this location that he subjected her to prolonged sexual abuse, beginning when she was a child and continuing until she reached her teenage years.

The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed a mixture of relief and pain in her statement to The Gazette. She said, “I feel so much relief that this is finally over; I can get on with the rest of my life. The message I would give to others who have faced historic sexual abuse is to come forward. Be strong, you really have to be, but do come forward, don’t let the people get away with it. I’m happy Stephens has been brought to justice, just time will fix this now.”

During the court proceedings, the victim’s impact statement was read aloud by prosecutor Simon Foster. She described how the abuse had left a lasting scar on her life, stating, “His abuse carried on for eight horrendous years and it has never left me. It has affected my life in multiple different ways and it has stopped me from forming loving relationships. Stephens knew I was a vulnerable young girl and he used that as a means to fulfill his own pleasure, but I am not that same vulnerable young girl anymore, I am now a woman.”

The court also heard that during the period of her abuse, the victim developed asthma, which often necessitated hospital stays. She recounted that being hospitalized was, in some ways, a relief because it kept her away from her abuser. Her protective instincts as a mother were also highlighted, as she raised four children and became extremely cautious, fearing they might suffer the same fate she did.

Judge Jane Miller QC delivered the sentencing, condemning Stephens for exploiting his position as a school caretaker. She stated, “You used your position as a caretaker of a school to take her there and abuse her, you knew she was a vulnerable young girl and you used it to your advantage. You took those years from her and the court has heard how this has affected the rest of her life. She needs closure.”

The judge also noted Stephens’ poor health and the toll the proceedings had taken on his mental well-being, suggesting that prison was the appropriate place for him to serve his sentence. She remarked, “You are in poor health, but prisons are well-equipped to deal with that. Your mental health issues have been caused by these proceedings. You may well die in prison.”

In addition to the nine-year prison term, Stephens was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities post-release. This case underscores the importance of victims coming forward and seeking justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, and serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact such crimes have on survivors and their families.