STEPHEN MARSTERS FROM BRADFORD AND BURNLEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEEN BOY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bradford and Burnley, Stephen Marsters, a man with a troubling past, has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy.The assault occurred at Marsters' former residence in Burnley, where he exploited the trust of the young victim through their shared interests in music and computer games, as revealed during the proceedings at Burnley Crown Court.
Marsters, who also worked professionally as a courier, faced charges of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration.
Despite denying these allegations, a jury found him guilty after evidence was presented that detailed the heinous acts committed on April 5 of the previous year.
The court was informed that the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was staying over at Marsters' house when the incident took place.
According to court reports, Marsters initially asked the boy if he could give him a massage, but the young victim declined the offer.
As the boy fell asleep, Marsters proceeded to rub cream on his private areas, an act that marked the beginning of the abuse.
The court heard that the victim awoke when Marsters began to touch him sexually, prompting him to get up and lock himself in the bathroom in an attempt to escape the situation.
It was also disclosed that Marsters has a prior conviction for indecent assault on a 10-year-old boy in 1998, highlighting a pattern of concerning behavior.
The judge, Andrew Woolman, emphasized the severity of the case and the breach of trust involved, especially considering the grooming process that spanned several months to lure the victim into spending time with him.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Woolman imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order on Marsters.
This order prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 16, aiming to prevent further harm.
The judge remarked, “You began to groom your victim over several months to get him to spend time with you.
I understand from Miss Thomas you have had a difficult life.
But that doesn’t justify you abusing a 14-year-old boy for your own sexual satisfaction.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable young people from predators, especially those with a history of offending.
The communities of Bradford and Burnley are left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for protective measures against sexual abuse.
