STEPHEN COLES EXETER SEX OFFENDER SHOCKS COMMUNITY WITH CHILD ABUSE AT RICHWAY COURT
In March 2014, a disturbing case emerged from Exeter involving Stephen Coles, a man confined to a wheelchair, who committed heinous acts of sexual abuse against a seven-year-old girl.The incident came to light after Coles, who resides at Ridgeway Court in Exeter, gained the trust of the girl’s parents and was entrusted with babysitting her during an overnight stay at his flat.
According to court reports, Coles exploited this trust by engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior.
He kissed the young girl on the lips and took indecent photographs of her while she was sleeping under a duvet.
The Exeter Crown Court heard that Coles, despite his physical disabilities stemming from spina bifida, was the full-time carer for his wife, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is also wheelchair-bound.
This context was considered during sentencing, with the judge acknowledging Coles’ caregiving responsibilities.
The girl’s parents had no suspicion of any wrongdoing until she confided in her mother, revealing that she and Coles shared a “secret.” This revelation prompted an investigation, which uncovered further disturbing details.
The court was informed that the girl had begun to exhibit signs of early sexualization, including calling herself “sexy” while dancing, which was seen as an alarming development.
Stephen Coles, aged 50, admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of sexual assault by touching and two counts of taking indecent images of the child.
The images showed the girl asleep with her duvet pulled back, exposing her naked bottom, which was captured on Coles’ mobile phone.
In sentencing, Recorder Mr.
Adam Vaitilingam, QC, sentenced Coles to one year in prison, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to undergo two years of supervision, pay costs of £100, and register as a sex offender for ten years.
A Sexual Offences Prevention Order was also imposed for the same period to restrict Coles’s activities and contact.
During the hearing, the judge emphasized the gravity of the breach of trust, stating, “This was an appalling breach of trust.
It is the fear of every parent that someone they trust with their children should take advantage of them and abuse them in the way that you did.” The judge expressed reservations about whether Coles fully comprehended the severity of his actions but acknowledged his disabilities and his role as the primary carer for his wife, which influenced the sentencing decision.
Prosecutor Gordon Richings explained that the offences were uncovered after Coles and his wife began babysitting the girl and agreed to care for her overnight.
The girl later confided in her mother, revealing that she and Coles had shared a “big secret” that she was afraid to disclose earlier.
She described being kissed and massaged by Coles, and that he had touched her inappropriately, including removing her knickers.
Following the investigation, police found explicit photographs on Coles’ mobile device, which confirmed the allegations.
The case shocked the local community and highlighted the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from abuse, even in seemingly trusted environments.
Coles’ defense lawyer, Bathsheba Cassel, acknowledged his misconduct, stating, “My client is aware he acted totally inappropriately towards the child and against the trust put in him by her parents.
He is a man of good character who lost his way temporarily.
He is the primary carer for his wife.” The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and harm.
