COLIN STEVENSON SENTENCED IN S KIRKBY CHILD GROOMING CASE

In December 2012, a disturbing case involving child grooming and sexual assault unfolded in South Kirkby, highlighting the grave dangers posed by individuals exploiting the innocence of young children. Colin Stevenson, aged 44 and residing on West Street in South Kirkby, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes against two young girls, leading to his imprisonment for a substantial period of over five years.

Stevenson was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court after a detailed trial that revealed the extent of his criminal behavior. The court heard that he had engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct, which included sexually assaulting two girls under the age of thirteen, making one girl watch a sexual act, and possessing a large collection of indecent images of children. The evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of a man who had moved from an unhealthy interest in children to actively abusing them.

Prosecutor Gerald Hendron emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This was a case where the defendant was moving from an illegal and unhealthy interest in children to moving to the next step. It was grooming.” The court was told that Stevenson’s actions demonstrated a progression from taking photographs to kissing the girls and ultimately causing one of them to witness a sexual act, a process described as grooming by the judge.

Judge Sally Cahill QC, presiding over the case, described the evidence as ‘overwhelming’ and expressed her concern over the distress caused to the young victims. She remarked that both girls, when giving evidence, appeared visibly distressed and showed innocence that Stevenson had tried to take away. The judge described the situation as ‘chilling’ and condemned Stevenson for taking advantage of the girls’ vulnerability.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Cahill QC lamented the fact that Stevenson did not show remorse or accept responsibility, noting that he had not pleaded guilty despite the overwhelming evidence against him. She highlighted the tragic impact on the victims, emphasizing the emotional toll of the court proceedings.

Stevenson was convicted on multiple counts, including three counts of sexual assault on children under thirteen—related to separate incidents involving kissing two girls—and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. These offenses occurred between October 1 and November 18, 2010. Additionally, the jury found him guilty of possessing 783 indecent images of children, three of which were classified as the most serious category. Despite these convictions, he was acquitted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of watching a child watch a sexual act.

Mitigating his sentence, Rebecca Young pointed out that Stevenson had lost his good character and liberty, and expressed concern that he might also lose his home upon release. She noted the stark reality that he would leave prison with only the clothes he was wearing.

Wakefield District Police’s Detective Inspector Mark Catney welcomed the sentence, stating, “We welcome the strong sentence for Stevenson which reflects his complete lack of remorse for the offences he has committed against vulnerable victims. Since his arrest he has shown no recognition or understanding of the harm his actions have caused, and we now hope his conviction will bring a small measure of comfort to those he has abused.”

As part of his sentence, Stevenson was also issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts him from having contact with children under 16 unless a parent or guardian is present. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting children from predators like Colin Stevenson in South Kirkby and beyond.