STEVE BURRELL FROM CAWSTON AND LEAMINGTON SPA SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Cawston and Leamington Spa, Steven George Burrell, born on May 6, 1964, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after admitting to serious sexual offenses involving two young girls. The incidents, which spanned over a period of time, have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, highlighting the grave nature of the crimes committed by Burrell.

One of the victims, a teenage girl from Rugby, recounted her harrowing experience, revealing how her innocence was stolen just four months after celebrating her 13th birthday. Now aged 15, she described her feelings of betrayal and the profound trauma she endured. She stated bluntly, “This man has taken my childhood from me,” emphasizing the devastating effect Burrell’s actions have had on her life.

Burrell was sentenced on a recent Friday at Warwick Crown Court, where he received a 33-month imprisonment term. The court proceedings were emotionally charged, with the young girl, who is legally protected from being named, present to witness her attacker’s sentencing. The past two years have been a nightmare for her and her family, marked by depression, substance abuse, and self-harm. Her academic performance plummeted, and her personality changed drastically, leading her to seek help through counseling sessions. She described her mental health struggles, including flashbacks, crying spells, and panic attacks, which required medication to manage.

In an exclusive interview at her family home, she expressed her mixed feelings about the case. “I’m grateful that he pleaded guilty, but I hate him with a vengeance,” she said. She also shared the hurtful comments she faced from others, being called derogatory names such as tart, s**g, and w***e, which she firmly denies being. Her primary concern was to clarify her innocence and to affirm that she was truthful about her experiences.

The girl recounted how her trauma first surfaced when she confided in her grandmother after exhibiting unusual behavior, including an attempt to hit her mother. Her mother described the sudden change in her daughter’s personality, which she initially attributed to typical teenage mood swings. However, the situation escalated, leading her to take drastic action by damaging Burrell’s car with a baseball bat. The family expressed a sense of relief that justice has been served, though they admitted that the experience has left deep scars.

Despite the pain, the girl is beginning to look forward, focusing on her education and her aspiration to join the Army. She acknowledged that her emotional wounds might never fully heal but emphasized her determination to move on. Her mother echoed this sentiment, stating that they are eager to leave the past behind and plan to take a family holiday as a step toward recovery.

Meanwhile, the court case also revealed disturbing details about Burrell’s other offenses. He was convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in August 2008. The victim, from Rugby, was invited to Burrell’s house in Cawston to help with chores, where he committed the assault. The girl later confided in her family, describing feeling “dirty” and being treated like a “w***e” during the incident. Her family noticed her distress over the following months, but it was only after persistent encouragement that she revealed the abuse.

Burrell, a former traffic warden, ex-council worker, and ex-royal signals employee, had been using Facebook to maintain contact with the young girl at the time of the assault. He initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty, leading to his sentencing. The judge, His Hon Judge Richard Griffith-Jones, emphasized that the victim was only 13 while Burrell was 44, and he criticized Burrell for his actions, stating that he was aware that what he was doing was wrong. The judge also noted that Burrell had no previous convictions and was not considered a predatory individual, which influenced the sentencing decision.

In addition to his prison term, Burrell was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was subjected to a seven-year Sexual Offenders Prevention Order. This order restricts him from contacting minors without the presence of a parent or guardian, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect other potential victims from harm.