JOHN STEEN FROM LOANHEAD SENTENCED FOR 15-YEAR ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS IN MIDLOTHIAN

In a case that has shocked the community of Loanhead and the wider Midlothian area, John Steen, aged 57, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a prolonged period of sexual abuse involving two young girls. The heinous acts spanned over a decade and a half, beginning in the late 1980s and continuing into the early 2000s, leaving lasting scars on the victims.

Steen, a resident of Loanhead, was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh to face charges related to the abuse. The court proceedings revealed that Steen targeted two girls, whose identities are protected by legal restrictions, at various addresses within Midlothian. The first victim, a seven-year-old girl, was subjected to abuse starting in August 1987 at Steen’s own residence in Loanhead. This disturbing chapter of his criminal activity persisted until August 1990, during which time Steen engaged in rape, indecent assault, and lewd and libidinous practices.

Following a period of apparent silence, Steen resumed his predatory behavior in March 1992, this time targeting a second girl. His abuse of this second victim continued until March 2002, marking a disturbing pattern of exploitation over many years. The court heard detailed accounts of the suffering inflicted upon these young girls, emphasizing the profound psychological damage they endured as a result of Steen’s actions.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Brailsford, the presiding judge, expressed his condemnation of Steen’s conduct. He stated that the victims had suffered significant emotional and psychological trauma, which would likely affect them for the rest of their lives. The judge emphasized that such serious offenses warranted a custodial sentence, leaving no alternative but to impose a lengthy prison term.

John Steen’s case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes in addressing and punishing such grave crimes. The community of Loanhead and the broader Midlothian region will undoubtedly be affected by the repercussions of this case, which highlights the devastating impact of child abuse and the necessity for justice.