STEPHEN LOVELLOCK SENTENCED TO 26 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD ABUSE IN FAREHAM

In a case that has deeply shocked the community of Fareham, Stephen Lovelock, a 61-year-old man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 26 years after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences, which spanned several years, have left a lasting impact on the community and the victim alike.

According to court records, Lovelock faced a total of 15 charges related to the abuse of a girl who was under the age of 13 at the time. The charges included two counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, four counts of assault by penetration, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of taking indecent photographs of a child. These allegations were thoroughly investigated by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT).

Despite denying all charges, Lovelock was found guilty on all counts following a trial held at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court heard that the abuse occurred over a period of several years, beginning in 2015 and continuing until 2022. The victim, a young girl, demonstrated remarkable bravery by coming forward to report the abuse in April 2022. Following her disclosure, Lovelock was swiftly arrested two days later as police conducted their inquiries.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, September 1, His Honour Judge Ashworth addressed the court, emphasizing the profound impact of the crimes. He stated that the evidence presented during the trial revealed a trauma that leaves “a scar on the soul of the community,” underscoring the severity of Lovelock’s actions. In response, the judge sentenced Lovelock to 26 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the lasting harm inflicted on the young victim and the wider community of Fareham.