HORSE DEALER DAVID STEPHENS FROM KENWYN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS NEAR TRURO AND BRISTOL

In April 2004, David Stephens, a 44-year-old horse breeder and dealer from Kenwyn, near Truro, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving teenage girls. Stephens, who was also known for his involvement with The Four Burrows Hunt in Cornwall, faced serious charges related to his misconduct, which culminated in a court appearance at Truro Crown Court.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Stephens was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault. He had initially denied two charges of rape, as well as an additional charge of indecent assault on another female, but the jury convicted him on the three counts of indecent assault. Furthermore, Stephens admitted to attempting to pervert the course of justice by asking two friends to provide false alibis to cover his tracks.

The court heard disturbing details of the incidents. One involved Stephens stopping his horse box in a lay-by near Bristol as he and the victim were returning from a horse fair in the Cotswolds. It was during this stop that Stephens approached the 16-year-old girl, who was a virgin at the time, and indecently assaulted her in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The assault was described as a traumatic event for the young girl, who later disclosed the incident to police.

Weeks after the initial assault, Stephens allegedly committed another indecent act against the same girl at his residence in Kenwyn. The girl initially told police that she had been indecently assaulted, but later revealed that she had been raped. Prosecutors highlighted her feelings of shame and fear, noting that Stephens had threatened to harm her beloved horses and ponies if she disclosed the abuse.

As part of his sentencing, Stephens was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from working with children under the age of 18. The court's decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the impact on his victims, as well as the broader community's concern over safeguarding minors from individuals with a history of sexual misconduct.