MORPETH PAEDOPHILE STEVEN NICHOL SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL IN BEDLINGTON AND MORPETH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Morpeth and Bedlington, Steven Nichol, aged 53, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl over a span of four years. The crimes, which took place between 2006 and 2010, involved a pattern of manipulation, coercion, and abuse that has left lasting scars on the victim.

Steven Nichol, who resided in Challoner Gardens, Morpeth at the time of the offenses, was brought back to Newcastle Crown Court last Friday for sentencing after a jury found him guilty of multiple charges. These included four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of sexual assault on a child under 13. The victim, a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, watched from the public gallery as the verdict was read.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks presented a harrowing victim impact statement, revealing the profound emotional and psychological toll the abuse has taken on the young girl. He explained that the girl feels that her childhood was significantly marred by Nichol’s actions and that she harbors intense feelings of anger. She expressed relief that the jury believed her, especially since Nichol had previously told her that no one would believe her accusations. The victim described feeling blackmailed by Nichol, who used gifts and treats as bribes to manipulate her into performing sexual acts.

Perks further detailed how Nichol’s control over her extended beyond the abuse itself. The girl was unable to relax at school, felt constantly monitored, and described her life during those years as living two separate, draining lives. She recounted feelings of despair, crying herself to sleep, and her education being severely disrupted. Since Nichol’s conviction, her anger has reportedly diminished, but the emotional scars remain.

Defense lawyer Christopher Knox argued that Nichol deserved recognition for his previously good character, attempting to mitigate the severity of the sentence. However, Judge James Goss was unequivocal in his sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. He stated, “You were convicted of sexual offences which took place between 2006 and 2010. Sexual offences began affecting the girl when she was 12. She says she agreed to engage in these acts she knew were wrong in return for cigarettes, shoes, and clothes.”

Judge Goss also noted that Nichol continued to deny his offending and showed no remorse. He highlighted the profound impact the abuse had on the victim’s childhood and daily life, describing the acts as deeply damaging. As part of his sentence, Nichol was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was scheduled to appear again in court this week to be subject to a sexual offences prevention order, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing measures to protect the community from potential future offenses.