OFFENDER SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT

Having endured the repercussions of the Newcastle Paedophile, Steven Hinchan’s, offenses for most of her life, the brave woman reported the abuse to authorities, leading to an investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department in 2021. Steven Hinchan, aged 56, attended a police station for an interview but denied the allegations. Later that year, he was charged with five counts of indecent assault, which occurred before the enactment of the Sexual Acts Act in 2003. Despite his persistent denials, he stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty of all charges in November. On January 17, he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison at the same court. Hinchan will now be permanently listed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and is prohibited from any contact with the victim. The victim expressed her feelings after sentencing, stating: “The term ‘historical’ does not accurately describe the abuse I endured, and I do not identify with the label ‘survivor.’ Both terms suggest that the abuse is confined to my past, but for me, the fear and anxiety remain an everyday reality. I feel perpetually trapped in states of fight, flight, and freeze, unable to fully escape the shadow of what happened. Since the day the abuse began, I have felt as though I’ve been infected with an incurable disease. I lived in shame and secrecy, unable to share the full extent of the abuse with anyone. His words — that no one would believe me — imprisoned me in a pit of silence for almost 30 years. I have now had to accept that no amount of therapy, medication or time will erase what he did to me. What was taken from me has altered the course of my life irreversibly. No sentence can undo this damage, but I hope this process will provide some finality, allowing me to begin a new chapter.” Detective Sergeant Barbara Callaghan praised the victim’s bravery and hopes it encourages others to come forward. She stated: “I hope this case shows other people out there who may be hesitant to come forward that it’s never too late to seek justice. The victim battled with the consequences of Steven Hinchan’s horrific crimes for most of her life – but bravely disclosed what happened to police, allowing us to take action. Her voice has now been heard loud and clear – and because of her that a dangerous man is in prison.” She added: “No one should suffer like this, and I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offense to reach out, whether it was recent or from years ago. Support is available at any time.” Support resources and reporting options are detailed on Northumbria Police’s website. If you or someone you know has been affected, please report to the Police or visit online resources or Crimestoppers for anonymous reporting.