STEPHEN HARVEY FROM STONE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In a case that has spanned nearly two decades, Stephen Harvey, a resident of Stone, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls. The court proceedings revealed that Harvey's actions created an environment of fear and intimidation for his victims, with the crimes dating back to the 1980s.

Stafford Crown Court heard that Harvey, aged 45 and residing on Crown Street in Stone, had committed serious offenses involving two girls who were minors at the time. The prosecution, led by Eugene Hickey, detailed that one of the victims, whose identity remains protected, was only seven years old when Harvey subjected her to a sexual assault in which he placed a pillow over her head to subdue her. This particular incident was described as particularly heinous, with the court noting the severity of the act.

Despite the passage of many years, the crimes went unpunished until last year when one of the victims, now an adult, confronted Harvey directly. During this confrontation, Harvey admitted to his misconduct and offered an apology to her, a moment that was pivotal in bringing the case to a close.

The other victim, also a woman, had previously reported her abuse to the police. However, her account was initially dismissed or dismissed by others, leading her to believe she had fabricated the story. It was only after her confrontation with Harvey that she felt able to come forward again and seek justice.

Judge John Maxwell, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of Harvey’s actions, describing the victims’ experiences as occurring within a “climate of fear and sexual abuse.” The judge highlighted the particularly disturbing nature of the assault involving the pillow, calling it a “gross aggravating feature.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Harvey was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case underscores the importance of perseverance in bringing long-standing abuse cases to light and highlights the devastating impact such crimes have on victims, even many years after they occur.