BASIL STONHAM ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTHLEAZE, CORSHAM

In a case that has sparked outrage and deep disappointment, Basil Stonham, a resident of Northleaze in Corsham, was found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage boy. The incident, which took place in December 2016, involved Stonham sexually assaulting the then 17-year-old and possessing explicit images and videos of child rape. Despite the gravity of his actions, Stonham was handed a sentence that many consider lenient, leading to widespread criticism of the justice system.

At Swindon Crown Court, Stonham admitted to the charges, which included sexual assault and the creation and distribution of indecent images of children. The court heard how the assault occurred during a visit to Stonham’s home in Northleaze, where the victim, George W., had gone to check on his elderly relative who had recently been discharged from hospital. George, who has since come out as a transgender man, recounted the horrifying experience, describing how Stonham initially asked him to watch a video featuring girls dancing in their underwear. Over the course of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, the teenager was subjected to increasingly invasive and threatening behavior.

George W. explained that he was frozen in shock as Stonham attempted to kiss him, groped him, and tried to undress him. The situation escalated when Stonham got on his hands and knees between George’s legs and attempted to undo his trousers. The young man described feeling overwhelmed and unable to move, having known Stonham for many years through family gatherings such as birthdays and Christmas celebrations. The trauma was so severe that George experienced a mental breakdown in his car afterward, prompting him to contact the police. Stonham was arrested two days later.

Following the court proceedings, George expressed his profound disappointment with the verdict. He stated, “The justice system has failed me big time, it is broken. He probably returned home laughing to himself. He did disgusting things to me and he has avoided jail. All of my family are furious at the result.” George voiced his concern that Stonham might reoffend, emphasizing that rehabilitation would not be sufficient to prevent future harm. “He must be sick in the head. The verdict doesn’t make sense,” he added.

In court, Stonham pleaded guilty to the charges, which led to a sentence of 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. The judge also ordered a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a three-month curfew, and a fine of £200 in costs. The court believed that the most appropriate course of action was to place Stonham under probation supervision rather than immediate incarceration, with the hope that this would prevent him from reoffending. Additionally, Stonham was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years.

Despite the leniency of the sentence, George W. expressed a sense of closure, stating, “I am not happy with the result but I am glad it is finished. I feel bad for dragging my family through this for 18 months.” He also shared his perspective on the importance of speaking out, noting that he did not want to be one of those victims who suppress their trauma for years. As a transgender man, George felt it was necessary to reveal his identity to shed light on his experience and to advocate for justice. He also voiced concerns about Stonham’s access to a new computer after his old one, which contained the explicit material, was confiscated, raising questions about the effectiveness of the measures taken.

Stonham’s case has ignited debate about sentencing practices and the adequacy of measures to prevent reoffending, especially in cases involving sexual abuse of minors. Many community members and advocacy groups are calling for stricter penalties and more comprehensive rehabilitation programs to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Stonham.