WAR HERO STEVEN OLIVER FROM CRANWELL AND MIDDLESBROUGH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Cranwell and Middlesbrough, Steven Oliver, a 33-year-old former military serviceman and decorated war hero, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a reprehensible act involving a young girl. The incident took place on February 26 at the RAF's prestigious officer training college located in Cranwell, Lincolnshire, where Oliver was stationed at the time.

According to court proceedings, Oliver, who had served with distinction in the Royal Air Force for over 15 years, lured a 12-year-old girl back to his residence on the base under the pretense of playing a game of strip blackjack. The court heard that once inside his home, Oliver immediately secured the door and proceeded to engage in inappropriate conduct with the young girl. The details of the case revealed that Oliver had incited the girl to participate in sexual activity and had also engaged in indecent touching, actions that have caused widespread outrage and concern.

Prosecutor Stephen Lowne stated that Oliver had warned the girl not to disclose what had transpired, but she confided in her mother immediately afterward. The incident prompted an investigation, and Oliver was charged with inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and indecent assault. The court was informed that Oliver, who worked as a ground crew member at the RAF, had previously been recognized for his service with numerous medals, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the First Gulf War Medal, and decorations from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting his long-standing and apparently distinguished military career.

During the hearing, Catarina Sjolin, representing Oliver in mitigation, emphasized his decorated service record and expressed a desire to understand why he had acted so out of character. She suggested that if spared imprisonment, Oliver could return to Middlesbrough, where he would reside with his parents, who were supportive of him. However, Judge John Machin was unequivocal in his condemnation, describing Oliver’s actions as “appalling” and emphasizing that despite his military service, only a custodial sentence was appropriate in this case.

As a result, Oliver was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next seven years. Additionally, he faces an upcoming hearing before an RAF Board of Officers, which could potentially lead to his dismissal from the Royal Air Force. The case has left many in the communities of Cranwell and Middlesbrough deeply disturbed, raising ongoing concerns about safeguarding and the conduct of individuals in positions of trust and authority.