SCARBOROUGH MAN STEPHEN JOHN MITCHELL SENTENCED TO MORE THAN TEN YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

A man from Scarborough, Stephen John Mitchell, has been sentenced to ten years and nine months in prison for heinous sexual abuse of a boy carried out over several years.

In March, Mitchell, 67, of Northstead Flats, pleaded guilty to six charges, which included raping the child on five separate occasions, four counts of indecency with a child, and one charge of indecent assault against a child.

The crimes took place primarily in the 1990s. The charges detailed multiple instances of Mitchell abusing the boy, including inciting him to masturbate, performing oral sex, and penetration.

Mitchell was sentenced at York Crown Court on 13 May 2025, where he was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The abuse began when the victim was in primary school. Mitchell reportedly groomed the boy by buying him food and allowing him to watch cartoons on satellite TV. The grooming escalated as Mitchell introduced the child to pornographic films and started performing sex acts on himself in front of the boy.

The situation further escalated as Mitchell coerced the boy into reciprocating and performing various sexual acts on him. The abuse persisted for years, during which Mitchell threatened to abuse a younger child close to the victim if he told anyone.

In a victim personal statement read aloud in court, the now adult victim addressed Mitchell directly, saying: “You no longer control me, and you cannot destroy me or my family. I am closer to my family than I have ever been and can enjoy a life outside work. I used work as a tool to push my thoughts and feelings to the back of my mind and worked long, long hours. No more, I can now enjoy a life where you have no power. I have come through this as a much stronger person. I will never forgive you Mitchell, the gates of hell are waiting for you.”

Supporting the investigation, Police Staff Investigator Anne Yates from the Safeguarding Investigation Team commented: “Mitchell has shown no remorse for the horrific abuse that he inflicted on an innocent child.

“The victim has demonstrated incredible courage in coming forward and providing the evidence that led Mitchell to plead guilty.

“No child should ever endure such prolonged trauma, but he has come through it strong and hopeful for the future. I hope he continues to move forward, leaving this trauma behind, knowing Mitchell is now facing the consequences of his depraved actions.”

Yates also emphasized the importance of reporting abuse: “I urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to contact us if you have not already. We have support services and specially-trained officers to help individuals consider their options and work through what has happened. We are here to help, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.”

If you are a victim of abuse, please do not suffer in silence. You can report it through the following methods:

• Call the police on 101.

• In immediate danger, dial 999 for emergency assistance.