STEPHEN PETTICAN FROM ST AUSTELL AND WEMBLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CORNWALL AND LONDON

In March 2016, Stephen Pettican, who has now been released from prison, is currently residing in Lanjeth near St Austell in Cornwall. His criminal history dates back to a disturbing case of child sexual abuse that spanned several decades and involved multiple locations, including Wembley and the Cornwall area.

Back in February 2010, Pettican was sentenced to a 12-year prison term after being convicted of systematic sexual abuse against two children. The victims, a brother and sister now in their 30s, came forward in 2007 to disclose the horrific experiences they endured at the hands of Pettican. The abuse took place between 1978 and 1981, during a period when Pettican was entrusted with caring for the children while their mother was hospitalized.

During the trial, it was revealed that Pettican, then aged 54 and residing in St Austell, Cornwall, had committed multiple offenses including indecent assault, gross indecency, and engaging in sexual activities with children. The case initially went to trial in October of the previous year, where a jury acquitted him of two counts but was unable to reach a verdict on the remaining twenty charges. A subsequent trial in January resulted in Pettican’s conviction on 16 counts related to the two victims, with four counts resulting in acquittal.

Today, Pettican received a sentence of ten years for three counts of having sex with a boy, along with an additional two years for three counts of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 14. He was also handed concurrent two-year sentences for six counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and four counts of gross indecency. These sentences reflect the severity and systematic nature of his crimes against vulnerable children.

Detective Sergeant Debbie Moore, from the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, praised the bravery of the victims in coming forward. She emphasized that Pettican exploited their trust during a vulnerable period in their lives, subjecting them to prolonged sexual abuse that has left lasting trauma. Sergeant Moore stated, “Stephen Pettican abused these two children who trusted him at a time they were vulnerable due to their mother’s illness. He subjected them to systematic sexual abuse over a period of four years which left them traumatized, the effects of which they are still learning to live with to this day.”

She further expressed gratitude to the victims for their courage in reporting the abuse, which led to Pettican’s conviction. She also urged others who may have suffered similar abuse to come forward and report it to the police, regardless of how much time has passed.

As part of his sentence, Pettican will be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is also prohibited from working, living, or having contact with children, ensuring he remains under strict supervision to prevent any further harm.