SHAWN STEVENSON FROM GATESHEAD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN NEWCASTLE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Gateshead, Shawn Stevenson, aged 22, has been sentenced to a decade in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences, which spanned several years, began when the victim was only three years old, marking a prolonged campaign of exploitation and assault that has left lasting scars.

Stevenson, a resident of Dunston in Gateshead, was found guilty of 21 separate sex offences. These included multiple counts of child rape, sexual assault of a minor, voyeurism, and the possession of indecent images of children, some of which involved the young girl himself. The court heard that the abuse was not limited to physical acts but extended to the digital realm, with Stevenson having downloaded and stored numerous indecent images and recordings of children, including the victim.

During the sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tim Gittins described Stevenson as a danger to society, emphasizing the devastating impact of his actions. The judge stated, “You have destroyed virtually all her childhood with your campaign of sexual abuse. It’s clear there will be severe psychological trauma to her. I hope she now has the strength to rebuild her life.” The judge also highlighted the ongoing risk Stevenson poses, noting that the pre-sentence report confirmed he remains a threat to young females through similar behavior.

The court was told that the first assault occurred when the girl was just three years old, with subsequent attacks occurring repeatedly over the years. Stevenson also coerced the girl into sending him photographs of her friends, further demonstrating the extent of his manipulative and predatory conduct. When the victim finally disclosed the abuse, she revealed that Stevenson had been abusing her since she was three, a revelation that prompted police intervention.

Authorities seized Stevenson’s computer, uncovering a disturbing collection of evidence. Among the files was a recording of the girl, and there were 99 indecent images downloaded from the internet, all of which contributed to his conviction. The police investigation uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior and exploitation, leading to his conviction on multiple counts.

In addition to his prison sentence, Stevenson was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for 14 years, restricting his access to children and related activities.

During his defense, lawyer Jane Waugh acknowledged Stevenson’s youth at the time of the offences, stating, “He was only a boy himself when these offences began, although he was an adult towards the end of the offending. When he was confronted, he accepted it and admitted it, providing police with far more information than the victim did. He felt very isolated when he was young. Although what he has done is terrible, he is but a young man himself. He is wanting and willing to change.”

Stevenson’s case has left a lasting impact on the community of Gateshead, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for ongoing support for victims of such heinous crimes.