STEVE LORD FROM BACUP AND OLDHAM SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bacup and Oldham, Steven Lord, aged 52, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences involving young girls. The offences, which spanned nearly two decades, took place between 1995 and 2013 and involved three victims, all under the age of 16 at the time.

Lord’s crimes included the rape of one girl in the back of his van, as well as repeated sexual assaults on two other young victims. The court heard detailed accounts of these offences during the trial, which was held in March. Prosecutor Emma Kehoe outlined the severity of Lord’s actions, emphasizing that the abuse had a lasting impact on the victims. She described how Lord committed multiple counts of rape against one girl and engaged in numerous sexual activities with the other two victims.

During the proceedings, Miss Kehoe highlighted the emotional toll inflicted upon the victims, stating, “All three of these girls have suffered terribly and have carried on suffering.” She also pointed out that Lord showed no remorse for his actions, as evidenced by the pre-sentence report, which revealed that he attempted to justify his conduct and did not express any regret. The report also noted that the victims did not come forward immediately; it was only after two of them reported the abuse that the third was encouraged to speak out.

On the second day of the trial, Judge Andrew Jeffries considered whether Lord’s plea should be accepted. Initially, Lord entered a plea of not guilty, but after hearing the testimony of one of the victims, he was given the opportunity to change his plea. Later that day, Lord pleaded guilty to the charges. However, he declined to allow his legal representatives to cross-examine the remaining two victims, and it was clear from the court proceedings that he showed no remorse for his actions.

Judge Jeffries addressed the court, stating that Lord’s lack of previous convictions did not mitigate the seriousness of his crimes. He expressed concern about Lord’s potential risk of reoffending, stating, “This is a man who on release needs to be watched for as long as possible.” The judge also noted that Lord, who now resides on Grayson Way in Oldham, posed a significant danger to the community.

As a result of his convictions, Steven Lord was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order, which aims to restrict his activities and monitor his behavior to prevent further offences. The sentencing reflects the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for the safety and well-being of the victims and the wider community.