DEVON CARETAKER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT
A 46-year-old man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a child.John Stevenson, from Bideford, was convicted of multiple sexual offences where he told the girl not to tell anyone he had touched her on several occasions.The victim was only six years old at the time of the first offence and was unaware of the extent of Stevenson's actions until she received sex education in school when she was older.
After she confided in a teacher and the police were involved, Stevenson denied the allegations but was convicted by a jury following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.
He received a sentence of four years imprisonment.
The victim expressed her relief at the guilty verdict, saying she had "never been more grateful about anything".The girl reported suffering mostly psychological trauma; she now experiences severe anxiety and feels constantly on edge, avoiding unfamiliar men and feeling nervous about going out in public.
In her statement, she said: "Although I may not have suffered any physical injuries, the psychological damage is just as difficult." She described how she has changed from a carefree child to a person plagued by worry and fear.Stevenson, who resides on Chingswell Street in Chingswell, has no previous relevant convictions.
He was employed for many years as a nursing home caretaker and maintenance worker.
It was also noted that Stevenson has struggled with depression and has made previous suicide attempts, and a doctor confirmed he has suffered for many years with mental health issues.
