NOTTINGHAM PAEDOPHILE STEVEN PECK SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN WOLLATON AND BEYOND
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Nottingham community, Steven Peck, aged 38, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of heinous child sex crimes committed in Wollaton and surrounding areas.The crimes, which spanned from April 2002 to December 2009, involved the grooming and sexual abuse of three young boys, some of whom were as young as 10 years old at the time.
Peck, who resided in Wollaton, Nottingham, systematically befriended these boys, presenting himself as a friendly, older figure—a 'cool, older brother'—to gain their trust.
His grooming tactics included giving gifts such as a stereo, clothing, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, which he used to manipulate and control his victims.
These gifts served as a means to establish a false sense of closeness and dependency.
Once trust was established, Peck took the boys on various outings, including trips to popular attractions like Alton Towers and a go-karting track.
These excursions were part of his grooming process, designed to create a sense of normalcy and fun before the abuse began.
The victims, who ranged in age from 10 to 15, were subjected to horrific acts in multiple locations, including Peck’s house, his car, garage, a shed, and even in Wollaton Park in Nottingham.
Some of the abuse was recorded on video, adding a further layer of depravity to Peck’s crimes.
The victims later disclosed their experiences after one of them confided in his grandmother about the abuse, which ultimately led to Peck’s arrest in April 2013.
The court heard that the victims, now in their early 20s, had been deeply affected by the trauma inflicted upon them.
During the trial at Nottingham Crown Court, Peck pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including rape, sexual activity with a child, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.
The judge, Michael Stokes QC, condemned Peck’s actions, emphasizing the severe psychological damage caused to the victims.
He stated, “You were considerably older than these boys when you abused them over a substantial period of time.
They obviously found you in some way attractive or wouldn’t have sought out your company.
But one of the gravest aspects of this sort of behaviour for an adult—doing this to young boys of primary school age and into their teens—is the untold psychological harm it causes.” Peck was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
During the sentencing, he was seen placing his head in his hands as the court read out the details of his crimes.
One of the victims described how the abuse had robbed him of his childhood, leading to self-harm and ongoing emotional struggles.
Another victim expressed that the experience had marred what should have been a joyful and formative period of his life.
Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard detailed the victims’ stories, revealing that the abuse often involved watching videos in Peck’s attic, with some instances where the victims were asked to undress and engage in sexual acts.
The 13-year-old victim at the time recounted that the molestation lasted for two years and that Peck had also asked him to perform sex acts with another boy.
The other victims provided similar accounts during police interviews following Peck’s arrest.
Michelle Clark, representing Peck, acknowledged that he had been abused as a child and expressed remorse for his actions.
She argued that Peck was a damaged individual who had developed an unhealthy attachment to these boys, though she emphasized that this did not excuse his crimes.
Peck was charged with multiple counts, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and rape.
Initially denying the rape charges, Peck ultimately pleaded guilty to all 12 offences on the first day of his trial last month, avoiding a lengthy court process.
This case highlights the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse on young victims and underscores the importance of vigilance and intervention in protecting children from predators like Steven Peck in Nottingham and beyond.
