STEVEN PIKE SENTENCED IN DERBY FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGER FROM CHELTENHAM
In February 2012, Steven Pike, a man originally from Cheltenham, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl.The incident, which took place on May 17, 2010, involved Pike, who was 42 years old at the time, having a sexual encounter with a girl aged 15.
The court heard that Pike was aware of her age, knowing she was under 16, and that his behavior towards her was described as pushy and overbearing by the presiding judge.
Born and raised in the Stanwick Gardens area of Cheltenham, Pike attended St Benedict’s Catholic School during his youth.
He was previously employed as a shop manager in Cheltenham, notably managing a skate shop called Legends located in the Beechwood Shopping Centre approximately nine years prior to his conviction.
His connection to Cheltenham remained significant, as many in the town knew him well.
However, Pike later moved away from Cheltenham, reportedly relocating to Cyprus before eventually settling in Derby, where he managed pubs for Whitbread.
During the court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, prosecutor Mark van der Zwart revealed that Pike’s victim had lost trust in men following the incident.
The court was informed that Pike, who now has no fixed address in Derby, was initially charged with rape; however, he denied the allegation, and the charge was ordered to lie on the file.
A former friend of Pike, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to the Echo about the case.
The individual expressed shock at the news, stating, “I have known him for years but he moved away to Derby to manage pubs for Whitbread.
There are hundreds of people who know him in Cheltenham.
It was a massive shock.” The friend also commented on the length of Pike’s sentence, saying, “The four-year sentence was not enough,” adding, “The trouble is he will be out in a couple of years.” Defense lawyer Sally Hancox expressed remorse on Pike’s behalf, stating that he was “very sorry” for his actions.
She explained that Pike’s line of work, which involved frequent alcohol consumption, might have contributed to his behavior, leading him to “go overboard” at times.
Hancox acknowledged the ongoing impact of his actions, emphasizing that Pike accepted the damage caused was not limited to the moment but extended into the future for those involved.
Judge John Burgess highlighted the aggravating factors in the case, particularly the significant age difference between Pike and his young victim.
He emphasized that Pike was fully aware of her age and described his conduct as pushy and overbearing.
As part of his sentence, Pike was disqualified indefinitely from working with anyone under 16 and was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order.
This order prohibits him from being in the company of anyone under 16 without a guardian who is aware of his conviction, aiming to prevent any future harm.
Overall, the case underscores the serious legal consequences of exploiting minors and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.
