DAMIAN STEPHENSON FROM LITTLE LEVER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BOLTON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Little Lever and the wider Bolton area, Damien Stephenson was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a 12-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in September 2013, involved a calculated pattern of grooming and sexual assault that exploited the innocence and trust of a young child.

Stephenson, aged 32 at the time, resided on Third Avenue in Little Lever. Despite his denial of the charges, a jury at Bolton Crown Court found him guilty after a detailed seven-day trial. The court heard how Stephenson systematically manipulated the girl, who had a crush on him, by telling her she was special and that she would eventually become accustomed to having sex with him. This grooming process was designed to break down her resistance and make her more compliant.

Judge Peter Davies, presiding over the case, described the girl as an impressionable young individual who simply wanted to be liked. The court was told that Stephenson had invited the girl to stay at his home, and it was during this period that he began grooming her. He told her he wanted to have sex with her and indicated he would find ways to be alone with her, creating opportunities for abuse.

During the sentencing, Judge Davies emphasized the manipulative tactics used by Stephenson, noting that he complimented and kissed the girl, making her feel important and special. The judge stated, “You were manipulating her in the hope you could have sex with her. In short, you groomed her.”

The court recounted how, on a Saturday afternoon, the girl was helping Stephenson move bedding and furniture. She was described as being innocently enthusiastic about spending time with him, unaware of his true intentions. Despite her initial refusal, Stephenson persisted in asking for sex. She believed he was joking, but he then convinced her to trust him, removed her clothes, and raped her after putting on a condom.

Following this assault, the girl, confused and frightened, chose to stay at Stephenson’s house for the remainder of the weekend rather than leave. Tragically, Stephenson did not show remorse and continued to prey on her that very night while his partner was asleep upstairs. The girl was sleeping in the living room, babysitting a three-year-old boy, when Stephenson crept downstairs. Confident that the house was quiet, he sat her on his knee, pinned her hands down on a rug, and raped her again, this time without a condom.

After the second assault, Stephenson forced the girl to promise not to tell anyone, including the police. The judge highlighted the profound impact these crimes had on the young victim, stating, “The child was terrified of you. The impact these offences have had on her has been profound.”

Judge Davies criticized Stephenson for showing no remorse or concern for his actions, describing his motives as solely driven by sexual gratification. He pointed out that the rapes were aggravated by the significant age difference, the abuse of trust, and the grooming process. The judge made it clear that consent was impossible given the girl’s age and vulnerability, emphasizing that Stephenson had twice overpowered and assaulted her.

In addition to the prison sentence, Stephenson was banned from working with children or vulnerable adults in the future. An indefinite sexual offences prevention order was also issued, prohibiting him from having contact with anyone under 16 unless approved by social services.

The girl’s family attended the court hearing to witness the sentencing. Her father expressed his relief and satisfaction, stating simply, “He got what he deserved.” The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like Damien Stephenson.