STEPHEN GOSS FROM CHERRY WILLINGHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN LINCOLNSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Cherry Willingham and the wider Lincolnshire area, Stephen Goss, a 42-year-old man, was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl over a two-year period. The incident took place between 2004 and 2006, during which Goss engaged in reprehensible acts that left a lasting impact on the victim.

Goss appeared before Lincoln Crown Court to face charges that included six counts of sexual assault. Despite his vehement denial of the allegations, a jury found him guilty following a detailed trial. Throughout the proceedings, Goss maintained his innocence, claiming that the girl had been encouraged to fabricate the allegations against him. He shook his head in apparent denial as Judge Michael Heath delivered the sentence, but the judge was quick to dismiss such gestures.

Judge Heath addressed Goss directly, stating, “It is no good shaking your head because the jury had little difficulty in convicting you. The evidence against you was compelling. What you did to that little girl over that two-year period was despicable.” The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes, highlighting the manipulative tactics Goss used to silence his young victim. “Throughout the abuse, you ensured her silence by telling her that if she told anybody, you would kill them all,” the judge remarked. He further condemned the threats Goss made to prevent the girl from reporting the abuse, describing these actions as an aggravating factor in the case.

The court heard that the victim was only eight years old when Goss began his abusive behavior. The jury was presented with evidence that painted a disturbing picture of exploitation and intimidation by Goss during the period in question.

Edna Leonard, representing Goss, argued that her client had no prior convictions for similar offenses. She pointed out that Goss’s last conviction was six years ago, suggesting a lack of a criminal history that might otherwise influence the court’s decision. Despite this, the jury’s verdict was clear, and Goss was sentenced accordingly, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the young girl involved.