STEPHEN COX AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN TORQUAY AND DEVON
A man identified as Stephen Cox has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls.The incident took place in the town of Torquay, Devon, and the case was brought to light through a detailed police investigation that uncovered disturbing acts committed by Cox.
Cox, aged 44 and residing on Hillesdon Road in Torquay, was found guilty in May at Exeter Crown Court of committing seven separate offences.
These offences included assault by touching, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and inciting a child to participate in sexual acts.
The court heard that the abuse occurred during the late 2010s at a property located in North Devon, and the revelations emerged when the older of the two victims, who was only six years old at the time, confided in her mother about what had happened.
The younger victim, who was just three years old at the time of the abuse, was interviewed by police using video technology, with specially trained officers conducting the interview.
Additional evidence was pre-recorded, capturing the child's account of the abuse.
During their testimonies, both girls described how Cox had touched them inappropriately.
They also recounted a disturbing game Cox devised called the 'elephant game,' in which he encouraged them to touch him, further illustrating the manipulative and predatory nature of his actions.
Despite denying the charges, Cox showed no remorse during the proceedings, a fact highlighted by the court.
A probation report described Cox as having a 'significant sexual attraction to children,' which contributed to the judge, Recorder Mr Donald Tait, categorizing him as a dangerous offender.
The judge emphasized that Cox posed a real and ongoing risk of harming children in the future.
In addition to the prison sentence, Cox was ordered to serve a five-year extended licence period following his release.
He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his contact with children to prevent further harm.
Prosecutor Mary McCarthy detailed how the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on the victims, describing the girls' bravery in cooperating with the investigation despite the trauma they endured.
Detective Constable Terry Hodgson of Devon and Cornwall Police, who led the investigation, praised the victims' courage and reaffirmed the police's commitment to taking such reports seriously.
He stated, 'This is an important reminder that such reports will always be taken seriously by the police and justice will be sought.'
