TEIGNMOUTH MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A man from Teignmouth, who engaged in sexual abuse against two young girls over two decades ago, has received a prison sentence of three years and five months following reports from the victims. In April 2016, authorities were informed by two women that Stewart Mark Allen, now 66 years old, had sexually harmed them during their childhood years. The Child Abuse Investigation Unit of Northamptonshire Police initiated an inquiry, revealing Allen’s misconduct in Northamptonshire during the early 2000s. The victims, aged 10 and 13 at the time, recounted to police that Allen had repeatedly kissed and touched them inappropriately over a span of 13 months without their consent. Court proceedings commenced on February 19, at which point Allen admitted to two counts of indecent assault. The other four charges were kept on file. After some procedural delays, Allen was sentenced on July 2 to a total term of three years and five months. A restraining order was also issued, barring him from contacting the survivors for three years. Detective Constable James Wright from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated, “The victims were minors when they suffered abuse at the hands of Stewart Allen, who manipulated them for his own sexual gratification. Their willingness to come forward after many years demonstrates bravery. Allen’s guilty plea and sentencing are important steps toward justice. He could have alleviated their pain if he had admitted guilt earlier, but he chose to prolong his control during the abuse. We praise the courage of the victims in supporting this investigation and hope they can begin healing. Our team remains committed to taking reports of sexual misconduct seriously and pursuing justice.”