STEPHEN CRACKNELL JAILED FOR ABUSING GIRL IN COVENTRY AND TIVERTON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Coventry and Tiverton, Stephen Cracknell, a man with a troubling history, has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The disturbing incident took place in Tiverton, where Cracknell, then a plumber, lured a ten-year-old girl into his private space under the pretense of playing computer games, including popular titles like Football Manager.

During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, it was revealed that Cracknell had touched the girl inappropriately while she was sitting on his lap. The girl, whose identity remains protected, did not initially disclose the abuse. Instead, she kept her suffering hidden for nearly two years, until she confided in a stranger during an online chat. Her mother, who was monitoring her online activities, discovered the troubling details but the girl was too frightened and confused to tell the police at the time.

It was only after a significant passage of time—more than a decade—that the victim felt emotionally strong enough to come forward and report the abuse to law enforcement authorities. Her testimony was harrowing; she appeared in court via a video-recorded interview, breaking down in tears multiple times as she recounted her experiences. She was compelled to give evidence from behind a screen, illustrating the profound psychological scars left by Cracknell’s actions.

Cracknell, aged 59 and formerly residing in Tiverton, but now living on Windmill Road in Coventry, faced five counts of sexual assault by touching. Despite denying any inappropriate physical contact, the jury found him guilty after reviewing the evidence, including the emotional testimony of the victim. The judge, Mr. Martin Meeke, QC, sentenced Cracknell to four years and six months in prison.

During the sentencing, the judge expressed his concern over the lasting impact of Cracknell’s actions. He stated, “I am satisfied that having seen the complainant give evidence at some length, her childhood was significantly blighted by your offending, and she has suffered substantial psychological damage. We saw her tears, and it is easy to understand the difficulties she now faces in forming relationships and allowing physical contact with her partner.”

The prosecution detailed that Cracknell had abused the girl on multiple occasions, including instances where she sat on his knee while he played computer games in his bedroom. The victim confided that she had tried to bury her memories but ultimately felt compelled to report what had happened to her as a child, recognizing the importance of seeking justice.

Throughout the four-day trial, Cracknell maintained his innocence, denying any inappropriate physical contact. However, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the young girl and highlighting the ongoing issues of child abuse within communities.