STEPHEN KIRTON FROM READING AND SWINDON ESCAPES PRISON AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE OF HIS OWN SISTER

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Reading and Swindon, Stephen Mark Kirton, a 56-year-old man from Swindon, was brought before Reading Crown Court to face serious allegations of sexual abuse. The court heard that Kirton, who was unemployed at the time, was found guilty of committing four separate counts of sexual assault against his own sister, who was a child under the age of 13 at the time of the offenses.

The incidents reportedly began when the victim was just six years old, with the abuse taking place over several months during 1975 and 1976. The court was informed that the abuse occurred in Reading, where the family was residing at the time. The victim, now an adult, chose to waive her right to anonymity in order to publicly identify her abuser, seeking justice for the trauma she endured as a child. It was noted that during the trial, no journalists were present, and Kirton showed no remorse for his actions, maintaining a consistent denial of the allegations throughout the proceedings.

Despite the gravity of the crimes, Kirton was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a sentence of 18 months in prison, which was suspended for 18 months. The judge also imposed a supervision order, requiring Kirton to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years and was instructed to pay £1000 in prosecution costs. The court's decision reflects a complex approach to justice, balancing punishment with rehabilitation, but the case remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse.