STEPHEN LOVELLOCK AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN FAREHAM
| Red Rose Database
Fareham Rapist
A deeply disturbing case of child abuse that has left a lasting scar on the community of Fareham has culminated in a significant prison sentence for the offender. Stephen Lovelock, aged 61, was sentenced to 26 years behind bars after being convicted of numerous heinous crimes involving a young girl.
The allegations against Lovelock included 15 separate charges, which arose following an extensive investigation carried out by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT). The charges ranged from the most severe forms of sexual offenses to involving a minor in indecent acts, painting a distressing picture of the abuse inflicted upon the victim.
Specifically, Stephen Lovelock faced two counts of raping a child under the age of 13, along with an additional count of attempted rape against the same underage girl. The prosecution also presented evidence of two counts of sexual assault towards a girl under 13, as well as three counts of engaging in sexual acts with a minor. Further charges included four counts of assault by penetration, two counts of inciting or causing a child below 13 to participate in sexual activities, and one count of taking indecent photographs of a child.
Despite entering the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court denying all the charges, the evidence and testimonies proved overwhelming. On July 14 of this year, Lovelock was found guilty of all the accusations leveled against him. The court proceedings revealed that Lovelock, who is known to have no fixed residence, had abused the victim over an extensive period from 2015 to 2022, beginning when the girl was younger than 13.
The brave girl who endured this ordeal showed remarkable resilience by reporting the abuse to the police in April 2022. Following her report, law enforcement agencies swiftly moved to arrest Lovelock two days later, initiating a thorough investigation. The case, which was detailed at the court trial, highlighted the predatory nature of Lovelock’s actions and the long-lasting impact on the victim.
During the sentencing hearing on Friday, September 1, Portsmouth Crown Court Judge Ashworth underscored the severity of the crimes. He stated that the trauma inflicted during the trial “leaves a scar on the soul of the community,” before imposing a 26-year prison sentence on Lovelock.
DC Vicky Osborne, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, expressed her sentiments on the case, acknowledging the horrifying nature of the abuse. She praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and emphasized her pride in the bravery shown during the investigation and judicial process. “Lovelock is a horrendous and predatory individual who ensured that this young girl endured further suffering by denying his crimes,” she remarked.
The investigation was led by DC Hannah Owen, and the conviction stands as a testament to the unwavering bravery of the young girl who endured such suffering. DC Osborne concluded by highlighting the importance of this case in inspiring other survivors of abuse to come forward, assuring that law enforcement agencies will listen, believe, and do everything possible to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
The allegations against Lovelock included 15 separate charges, which arose following an extensive investigation carried out by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT). The charges ranged from the most severe forms of sexual offenses to involving a minor in indecent acts, painting a distressing picture of the abuse inflicted upon the victim.
Specifically, Stephen Lovelock faced two counts of raping a child under the age of 13, along with an additional count of attempted rape against the same underage girl. The prosecution also presented evidence of two counts of sexual assault towards a girl under 13, as well as three counts of engaging in sexual acts with a minor. Further charges included four counts of assault by penetration, two counts of inciting or causing a child below 13 to participate in sexual activities, and one count of taking indecent photographs of a child.
Despite entering the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court denying all the charges, the evidence and testimonies proved overwhelming. On July 14 of this year, Lovelock was found guilty of all the accusations leveled against him. The court proceedings revealed that Lovelock, who is known to have no fixed residence, had abused the victim over an extensive period from 2015 to 2022, beginning when the girl was younger than 13.
The brave girl who endured this ordeal showed remarkable resilience by reporting the abuse to the police in April 2022. Following her report, law enforcement agencies swiftly moved to arrest Lovelock two days later, initiating a thorough investigation. The case, which was detailed at the court trial, highlighted the predatory nature of Lovelock’s actions and the long-lasting impact on the victim.
During the sentencing hearing on Friday, September 1, Portsmouth Crown Court Judge Ashworth underscored the severity of the crimes. He stated that the trauma inflicted during the trial “leaves a scar on the soul of the community,” before imposing a 26-year prison sentence on Lovelock.
DC Vicky Osborne, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, expressed her sentiments on the case, acknowledging the horrifying nature of the abuse. She praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and emphasized her pride in the bravery shown during the investigation and judicial process. “Lovelock is a horrendous and predatory individual who ensured that this young girl endured further suffering by denying his crimes,” she remarked.
The investigation was led by DC Hannah Owen, and the conviction stands as a testament to the unwavering bravery of the young girl who endured such suffering. DC Osborne concluded by highlighting the importance of this case in inspiring other survivors of abuse to come forward, assuring that law enforcement agencies will listen, believe, and do everything possible to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.