STEPHEN ALLEN FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR VILE OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN
In June 2019, a disturbing case unfolded at Teesside Crown Court involving Stephen Allen, a man from Middlesbrough, who was convicted of a series of heinous crimes committed against vulnerable children.The court heard that Allen, aged 51, had engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior that included drug and alcohol facilitation to manipulate his young victims before subjecting them to sexual assault.
Allen was found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activities with a minor.
The prosecution presented evidence that Allen had used substances to weaken the victims' resistance, thereby facilitating his criminal acts.
Prosecutor Aisha Wadoodi emphasized the severity of the case, stating, "The defendant managed to facilitate the offences using alcohol and drugs," and concluded that Allen should be classified as a "dangerous offender".
During the sentencing hearing, emotional testimonies from the victims highlighted the profound and lasting impact of Allen's actions.
One victim expressed, "I cannot think of an aspect of my life that it has not affected," revealing the deep psychological scars left by the abuse.
The same victim also shared that they had developed mental health issues as a direct result of the trauma.
Another young victim, a teenage boy, recounted how Allen had betrayed his trust, saying, "I was a child and Stephen Allen abused the trust that I put in him." The court was also informed that Allen had previously encouraged a teenage boy to engage in sexual acts before raping him, further illustrating the extent of his predatory conduct.
Allen’s criminal behavior was uncovered after a trial that concluded in May of the same year.
Despite pleading not guilty, the jury convicted him of all charges.
The judge, Deborah Sherwin, agreed with the prosecution’s assessment, labeling Allen a "dangerous offender" due to the nature and pattern of his crimes.
Following the conviction, Judge Sherwin sentenced Allen to a total of 24 years in prison, with an additional extended period of eight years, bringing the total to 32 years behind bars.
Furthermore, Allen was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at protecting the community from any further risk.
As Allen was led away by court guards after the sentencing, he erupted into a furious outburst, shouting, "F***ing bulls*** from start to finish, scruffy *****." The courtroom was filled with commotion, with a woman in the public gallery shouting "f***ing joke," and loud banging and noise emanating from outside the court room, reflecting the high tension and outrage surrounding the case.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary to address and punish severe sexual offenses against children, and highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders like Stephen Allen.
