SHOCKING CRIME IN GLOUCESTER: STEPHEN FORD SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

In a significant case that has rocked the community of Gloucester, police have publicly acknowledged the bravery of three women who came forward to share their harrowing experiences involving Stephen Ford, a convicted paedophile from the area. Ford, aged 46 and residing on Stroud Road, was formally sentenced to a lengthy 12-year prison term at Gloucester Crown Court on the recent Monday, marking a decisive victory for justice in a case that spanned over three decades.

The court proceedings revealed that Ford had previously confessed to committing a total of 15 counts of sexual abuse, with some of these offenses dating back more than 30 years. The details of his crimes paint a disturbing picture of sustained abuse over a prolonged period, affecting multiple victims across different age groups and timeframes. The case was built on the compelling and courageous testimonies of the victims, whose evidence proved to be instrumental in securing the conviction.

Detective Constable Sarah Ward, representing Gloucestershire Constabulary, expressed her admiration for the victims' resilience. She stated, “I must pay tribute to the courage these victims showed in speaking out. Their evidence was vital, and I hope their bravery encourages others who have suffered in the same way to come forward and identify their abusers.”

She further emphasized the devastating impact Ford’s actions had on the lives of these women, noting, “Ford destroyed these women’s lives and each of them bears the psychological scars of what he did. The trauma they continue to suffer makes it even more admirable that they were able to give such clear recollections.”

Details of Ford’s admissions reveal that he pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault committed between 1980 and 1983. Additionally, he admitted to three counts of indecent assault between 1994 and 1996, along with three counts of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault committed between 2007 and 2010. The victims’ ages at the time of the crimes vary, with one now aged 15, another in her 20s, and a third in her 40s, illustrating the long-lasting effects of Ford’s predatory behavior across different generations.

This case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and support for victims. The community of Gloucester can now find some measure of closure, knowing that justice has been served against a man whose actions have left deep scars on multiple lives.