STEPHEN PEARSON FROM LEAMINGTON SENTENCED FOR 19 CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WARWICKSHIRE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Leamington and the wider Warwickshire area, Stephen Pearson, aged 50, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of committing a series of heinous child sex offences spanning over a decade. The court heard that Pearson engaged in a sustained and calculated campaign of abuse against three young girls, beginning in the early 1990s and continuing into the mid-2000s, leaving a trail of trauma and suffering that will haunt the victims for the rest of their lives.

Pearson’s crimes are particularly disturbing due to the ages of his victims, with the youngest being only six years old when the abuse started. The court was told that he systematically groomed and exploited these vulnerable girls, subjecting them to repeated acts of sexual violence. One victim, who was just six or seven at the time, endured ongoing abuse that included being raped multiple times in a single day, with one horrific incident involving 15 rapes in a single day. The abuse took place both in Pearson’s home and in a locked garden shed, which he used to carry out his depraved acts. The court described this as a carefully planned and prolonged campaign of degradation, humiliation, and manipulation.

Another victim, a 14-year-old girl, was approached by Pearson while he was driving around Warwick. Despite her revealing her age, Pearson persisted in pursuing her, eventually picking her up from school in his red Ford Capri and driving her around. He sexually assaulted her on several occasions, with the court noting that his most serious offences occurred in the 1990s against the youngest girl. The third victim, aged 15 at the time, also suffered repeated abuse and rape at Pearson’s hands during the early 2000s.

When Pearson was arrested in 2017, the police investigation was prompted by the youngest victim, who had approached Leamington police station with notes detailing her childhood ordeal. During questioning, Pearson denied the allegations, dismissing them with arrogance and claiming, “It’s easy to say things, but they didn’t happen.” However, evidence collected during the investigation linked him to the crimes, and he was subsequently charged with multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

At Warwick Crown Court, Pearson faced a two-week trial during which he denied 13 counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The jury found him guilty of 11 counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was acquitted of two counts of rape. The judge, Andrew Lockhart QC, sentenced Pearson to a total of 28 years in prison, comprising an initial 21-year term with an additional seven years on extended licence. Pearson will serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

During the sentencing, Judge Lockhart delivered a powerful and emotional statement to Pearson, emphasizing the devastating impact of his actions on the victims. He described how the youngest girl, who was systematically groomed and abused, now struggles daily with nightmares and feelings of worthlessness, often contemplating whether life is worth living. The judge highlighted that she still fears Pearson may have harmed other children, which motivated her to come forward. The court also acknowledged the long-lasting trauma experienced by the other victims, with one girl being nearly 30 years removed from the abuse but still visibly distressed.

Judge Lockhart condemned Pearson’s conduct as not only heinous but also indicative of a dangerous individual who poses a continued threat to society. He pointed out that Pearson’s abuse was meticulously planned, involving manipulation, the use of toxic substances, and repeated violations over many years. The court expressed concern that Pearson’s actions demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory behavior, and the risk of further offences remains significant.

In his closing remarks, the judge praised the police officers involved in the case for their diligent and sensitive investigation, which ultimately brought Pearson to justice. The community of Warwickshire can find some solace in the fact that a dangerous offender has been removed from society, but the scars left on the victims serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children.