STEVEN FIFIELD OF GRIMSBY SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF WOMAN FROM AGE 5 TO 20

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Grimsby, Steven Fifield, a 62-year-old former dock worker residing in Tivoli Gardens, was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed over a span of nearly 15 years. The crimes involved four counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault against a woman who was victimized from the tender age of five until she reached 20 years old.

During the court proceedings at Grimsby Crown Court, the victim, now 41, bravely recounted the profound and lasting impact of Fifield’s actions on her life. She described suffering from flashbacks, nausea, and both physical and emotional distress as a direct result of the abuse she endured. Her testimony revealed how Fifield, a man she knew from her community, manipulated and groomed her over many years, gradually gaining control and exploiting her trust.

The court heard that Fifield had denied all charges, insisting on his innocence. However, the jury found him guilty of all counts after careful deliberation. Judge Mark Bury delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the severity of Fifield’s conduct and its gross effects on the victim. The judge also pointed out that Fifield had shown no remorse during the proceedings.

As Fifield was led away from the courtroom, he made a remark questioning whether he was being punished for something he had not done, which drew a warning from Judge Bury about potential contempt of court. Additionally, the judge imposed a lifelong restraining order, explicitly banning Fifield from any contact with the victim. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Following the sentencing, the victim chose to speak out publicly, encouraging other women who have suffered similar abuse to find the courage to report their experiences to the authorities. She expressed her hope that her story would inspire others not to remain silent out of fear or shame.

The woman, who requested anonymity, shared that her ordeal began when she was just five years old. She explained that despite the trauma, she initially hesitated to report the abuse, but eventually decided to come forward after years of suppressing her memories. She described how Fifield’s manipulation had made her believe that what was happening was normal, and how he had controlled her over a period of 14 years.

She recounted that the abuse was nearly a weekly occurrence, and that she would often try to resist but was worn down by Fifield’s persistent grooming. It was only when she reached 20 and managed to distance herself from him that she was able to start processing her trauma. Years later, after experiencing flashbacks and nightmares, she finally contacted the police to report the abuse, marking a crucial step toward justice.

In her statement, she emphasized that victims should understand that abuse is never their fault and that justice can be achieved through reporting. She praised the support she received from the courts and police, highlighting that victims do not have to face their abusers in court directly, as they can give evidence in private. Her message was clear: calling the police is the first step toward holding perpetrators accountable and preventing further harm.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Steven Fifield, whose actions have left a lasting scar on his victim’s life.