STEPHEN GILBERT OF HAYLE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR RAPE OF SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CORNWALL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Hayle and the wider Cornwall region, Stephen Gilbert has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the heinous crime of raping a six-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in Cornwall, was brought to light during a court hearing at Truro Crown Court, where the details of the assault were laid bare.

According to the prosecution, Heather Hope, Gilbert, aged 25, subjected the young girl to a brutal and terrifying ordeal. Gilbert reportedly asked the child if she wanted to play some games, a seemingly innocent question that masked his sinister intentions. The court heard that during the assault, Gilbert was so intent on covering the girl’s face that he effectively obscured her view, adding to the trauma inflicted upon her.

Mrs. Hope recounted that Gilbert’s actions left the girl visibly terrified. She further explained that Gilbert asked the child if she had enjoyed the experience, to which the girl responded that she had, but only because she did not know how to respond. In her own mind, however, she was desperately screaming for the assault to stop. The court was told that the young victim has since been plagued by severe emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts and night terrors, as a direct result of Gilbert’s heinous act.

During the sentencing, it was revealed that the girl’s mother described Gilbert as a “monster,” emphasizing the profound pain and suffering his actions have caused her family. The court heard that the girl had become so frightened of speaking about the incident that she feared she would be blamed if she disclosed what had happened.

In previous proceedings, Gilbert, who resides at Pathway Fields in Hayle, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child rape. The judge, Simon Carr, acknowledged the gravity of Gilbert’s crimes and remarked that his attempt to cover the girl’s face was indicative of his awareness of the wrongfulness of his actions.

Judge Carr emphasized that the emotional scars inflicted on the young girl would likely be long-lasting, if not permanent. He sentenced Gilbert to 15 years in prison, with the stipulation that he must serve at least half of that sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Gilbert will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.