STEPHEN FIELDS OF RAWTENSTALL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS

In October 2011, a disturbing case emerged from Rawtenstall involving Stephen Fields, a 56-year-old man whose actions have left a lasting scar on two young girls. Fields was found guilty of multiple serious charges related to sexual assault and abuse, and his sentencing has drawn widespread attention to the devastating impact of such crimes.

Fields, residing on Holland Avenue in Rawtenstall, was convicted of raping one of his victims on two separate occasions. In addition to these assaults, he attempted to coerce her into performing an indecent act. The court heard that he had also admitted to four counts of indecent assault, one charge of indecency with a child, and two counts of rape. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the fact that he forced the other girl to perform a sex act on him while holding her down, an act described vividly during the proceedings at Burnley Crown Court.

The court was informed that both victims, who were understandably terrified of Fields, suffered profound psychological consequences following their encounters with him. The first victim, who was raped twice, experienced severe emotional distress, including self-harm, flashbacks, and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. She also sought counseling and expressed feelings of having been robbed of her childhood. The second girl, who was coerced into performing a sexual act, turned to alcohol and anti-depressants as she struggled to cope with her trauma.

Prosecutor Michael Goldwater detailed the extent of Fields’ misconduct, emphasizing that the first victim was subjected to repeated sexual assaults, including two rapes, with the second incident involving physical force as he pushed her over to abuse her. The emotional toll on the victims was evident, with both girls finding it difficult to establish close relationships with others afterward.

During the hearing, Fields’ defense lawyer, Bob Elias, described his client’s guilty plea as a “hanging his head” admission. It was noted that Fields, who was unemployed at the time, had physically deteriorated since his court appearances and was visibly emotional, tears welling up before the proceedings began. His wife, fully aware of the full extent of his actions, chose to stand by him.

Mr. Elias provided context by revealing that Fields had himself been abused by two predatory men during his youth, suggesting that these past traumas may have contributed to his own abusive behavior. The lawyer described Fields as an “old 56” and expressed genuine remorse for his actions, acknowledging the profound and lasting impact on the victims.

Judge Jonathan Gibson delivered the sentence, emphasizing the destructive nature of sexual abuse. He acknowledged that Fields had also been a victim of abuse in his own youth, which he believed was relevant to understanding his actions. The judge sentenced Fields to ten years in prison, ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits Fields from having unsupervised contact with children under 16 and restricts his employment involving children. Additionally, he is mandated to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program.

Prosecutor Goldwater highlighted the gravity of Fields’ crimes, noting the long-lasting trauma inflicted on the victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for those affected.