STEPHEN PAYNE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN BRIGHTON: TEACHING ASSISTANT SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS
A man named Stephen Payne, who previously worked as a teaching assistant in Brighton, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed over nearly two decades.The crimes involved the abuse of four young girls aged between eight and 12, with all incidents taking place at his residence in Brighton.
These heinous acts spanned from 2001 to 2018, during which Payne exploited the trust placed in him as an educator and caregiver.
Payne’s employment history at Dharma Primary School in Patcham is central to understanding the context of his offenses.
He was employed at the school from 1994 until his arrest in March 2020, the same year the school closed.
The court heard that his abuse was linked to his time working at the school, with one of his victims being connected directly to his role there.
According to court proceedings, Payne was found guilty of a total of 13 sexual offenses.
The jury learned that he assaulted three of his victims while measuring their height against a wooden beam in his home, a disturbing method he used to carry out his abuse.
Another victim was assaulted during an improvised game of Twister, which Payne initiated, turning a simple game into a setting for his predatory behavior.
These offenses, which occurred over a span of nearly 17 years, have left a lasting impact on the victims.
Sussex Police and the Brighton and Hove safeguarding investigation unit have expressed concern that Payne may have more victims, urging anyone who might have been affected to come forward.
PC Donna Bagguley emphasized the gravity of Payne’s betrayal, stating, “Stephen Payne abused the trust of his young victims in the most appalling way.” She praised the bravery of the victims who reported the crimes and provided evidence, which led to his conviction.
In her statement, PC Bagguley added, “We believed them, a jury believed them, and now Payne will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.” She also urged the community to come forward with any information about similar offenses, assuring victims that they will be supported and that justice will be pursued.
Payne faced multiple charges, including nine counts of indecent assault of a girl under 16, three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, and one count of assault by touching a girl under 13.
The case was heard at Lewes Crown Court, where Payne was found guilty on January 26.
Today, he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order, and was permanently added to the sex offenders register for life, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice for his victims.
