STEPHEN CAMPY, THE WICKED HULL TAXI DRIVER, SENTENCED FOR DECADE OF ABUSE
In April 2017, a harrowing case unfolded in Hull, revealing the tragic story of a woman who endured ten years of sexual abuse at the hands of her step-father, a man she once called 'dad.' Stephen Campy, a former taxi driver from Hull, now aged 73 and reportedly nearing blindness, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes against his step-daughter.His offenses included attempted rape, gross indecency with a girl under 14, and 16 counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14.
After admitting to 18 sex offenses, Campy was sentenced to a 12-year prison term.
The court has also ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Campy's victim, identified as Dena, chose to waive her right to anonymity in a courageous effort to shed light on familial sexual abuse and to support others who have suffered similar trauma.
She delivered a powerful statement to Hull Crown Court, recounting the horrors she endured at the hands of her step-father, who she had once trusted implicitly.
As Campy sat impassively in the dock, Dena described her childhood, saying, “I grew up thinking that what I now know as sexual abuse was punishment for something I had done wrong.” She recounted waking up to the smell of her step-father Stephen’s tobacco breath during the abuse, often hearing him say, “Sorry, I thought it was your mum.” She reflected on how these memories have haunted her throughout her life, making it difficult to form friendships at school and leaving her with a sense of ongoing trauma.
Dena admitted she struggled with her mental health, suffering from feelings of guilt and shame, and last year, she experienced a complete mental breakdown, feeling unable to cope with everyday life.
She described her suicidal thoughts and the belief that her life would never improve, feeling that everyone would be better off without her.
However, her courage in reporting the abuse to the police last year marked a turning point.
She expressed relief at finally breaking free from the fog of her past and emphasized that seeing her case through to its conclusion has allowed her to begin healing.
“This is the first day of the rest of my life,” she stated, thanking her family—her husband and children—for their unwavering support and strength.
She also credited the Blue Door charity for their help and urged others who have experienced similar abuse to seek support.
Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, the Recorder of Hull and East Riding, described Campy’s actions as “truly wicked” and praised Dena’s remarkable courage and dignity in speaking out.
Addressing Campy directly, the judge said, “Your crimes were unspeakably vile, whereas she has spoken out with courage and composure and very considerable dignity.
The contrast could not be more marked.
All she wanted was unconditional love.
All you gave her was malevolent sexual abuse.” Campy, of Greenfield Garth in west Hull, was convicted of multiple serious offenses.
The judge emphasized the severity of the sentence, stating, “The sentence is severe and the message is clear – those who commit crimes of such gravity must expect severe sentences.
Take him down.” As Campy was led away to the cells, members of the public gallery expressed their reactions, with women saying, “See you soon dad,” and “Love you,” highlighting the emotional impact of the case and the community’s response to justice being served.
