STEVE CROOK FROM RODBOURNE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-APART SEXUAL ABUSE IN SWINDON
| Red Rose Database
Rodbourne Sexual Abuser
In September 2016, Steven Crook, a 57-year-old man residing in Rodbourne, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing young girls across two decades. The disturbing case revealed that Crook's predatory behavior spanned from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s, involving two separate victims who came forward with their harrowing stories.
The first incident occurred in the mid-1970s when Crook, then a young man, molested a girl approximately 12 years old in a local town playground. The details of this assault were confirmed during the court proceedings, highlighting the early onset of his abusive conduct. Decades later, in the mid-1990s, Crook's pattern of abuse continued when he manipulated and sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl. This second victim was under his care at the time, and Crook coerced her into performing sex acts on him on more than five separate occasions.
The prosecution, led by Colin Meeke, explained that the younger victim was initially hesitant to report the abuse but eventually approached the police, revealing that the incidents had occurred approximately 20 years earlier. The court heard that Crook, while caring for the girl, engaged in indecent acts that left her emotionally scarred. The victim's personal statement disclosed that she began blaming herself for the abuse at around age 12, which contributed to her suffering from depression.
Further evidence emerged when another woman came forward, describing her own traumatic experience with Crook. She recounted that when she was about 12 years old, she was at a playground with Crook, who then chased her, tripped her, and pinned her down before sexually assaulting her despite her screams and protests. These accounts painted a disturbing picture of Crook's predatory behavior during his younger years.
Steven Crook pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault, acknowledging his misconduct. His defense attorney, Rob Ross, expressed remorse on Crook's behalf, emphasizing that his client was genuinely sorry for his actions committed during a troubled period of his life. Ross pointed out that Crook's admissions avoided the need for a lengthy trial, which is uncommon among defendants facing such serious allegations.
Rob Ross also highlighted that Crook was experiencing significant personal trauma at the time, including bereavements, excessive alcohol consumption, and emotional distress. He argued that these factors contributed to his client's offending, though they did not excuse his behavior. Ross stressed that Crook's remorse was sincere and that he was disgusted by his past actions. The defense also noted that Crook's partner suffers from depression and would be affected by his imprisonment.
Judge Peter Blair QC delivered the sentence, expressing his skepticism that Crook fully comprehended the devastating impact of his actions on the victims' lives. The judge emphasized that despite Crook's guilty plea and remorse, he was entitled to face the consequences of his conduct. As part of the sentence, Crook was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community.
In conclusion, the court's decision underscores the serious nature of sexual offenses and the lasting harm inflicted on victims, regardless of the passage of time. Crook's case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice and the need to safeguard vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.
The first incident occurred in the mid-1970s when Crook, then a young man, molested a girl approximately 12 years old in a local town playground. The details of this assault were confirmed during the court proceedings, highlighting the early onset of his abusive conduct. Decades later, in the mid-1990s, Crook's pattern of abuse continued when he manipulated and sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl. This second victim was under his care at the time, and Crook coerced her into performing sex acts on him on more than five separate occasions.
The prosecution, led by Colin Meeke, explained that the younger victim was initially hesitant to report the abuse but eventually approached the police, revealing that the incidents had occurred approximately 20 years earlier. The court heard that Crook, while caring for the girl, engaged in indecent acts that left her emotionally scarred. The victim's personal statement disclosed that she began blaming herself for the abuse at around age 12, which contributed to her suffering from depression.
Further evidence emerged when another woman came forward, describing her own traumatic experience with Crook. She recounted that when she was about 12 years old, she was at a playground with Crook, who then chased her, tripped her, and pinned her down before sexually assaulting her despite her screams and protests. These accounts painted a disturbing picture of Crook's predatory behavior during his younger years.
Steven Crook pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault, acknowledging his misconduct. His defense attorney, Rob Ross, expressed remorse on Crook's behalf, emphasizing that his client was genuinely sorry for his actions committed during a troubled period of his life. Ross pointed out that Crook's admissions avoided the need for a lengthy trial, which is uncommon among defendants facing such serious allegations.
Rob Ross also highlighted that Crook was experiencing significant personal trauma at the time, including bereavements, excessive alcohol consumption, and emotional distress. He argued that these factors contributed to his client's offending, though they did not excuse his behavior. Ross stressed that Crook's remorse was sincere and that he was disgusted by his past actions. The defense also noted that Crook's partner suffers from depression and would be affected by his imprisonment.
Judge Peter Blair QC delivered the sentence, expressing his skepticism that Crook fully comprehended the devastating impact of his actions on the victims' lives. The judge emphasized that despite Crook's guilty plea and remorse, he was entitled to face the consequences of his conduct. As part of the sentence, Crook was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community.
In conclusion, the court's decision underscores the serious nature of sexual offenses and the lasting harm inflicted on victims, regardless of the passage of time. Crook's case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice and the need to safeguard vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.