REEPHAM MAN JOHN STEWART SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL WHO GAVE BIRTH IN LINCOLN

In a case that has shocked the local community of Reepham near Lincoln, John Stewart, a 53-year-old man, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offences committed against a teenage girl. The disturbing case came to light when Stewart's heinous actions resulted in the girl, who was only 14 years old at the time, becoming pregnant and subsequently giving birth to his child.

According to court records, Stewart began engaging in sexual activities with the young girl when she was just 14, a vulnerable minor under the age of consent. Over a period of time, he not only exploited her physically but also made disturbing statements about his desire for her to have his child, further demonstrating the depth of his misconduct. The prosecuting attorney, Clive Stockwell, detailed how the victim’s ordeal was compounded by Stewart’s initial denial of any sexual contact when questioned by police. Despite DNA evidence conclusively establishing Stewart as the father of the child, he attempted to dismiss the incident as a one-off event, claiming it was initiated by the girl herself.

Stockwell emphasized that the impact on the victim’s life has been profound and lasting. The case was brought before Lincoln Crown Court, where Stewart appeared on June 5 and admitted to four charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. His plea did little to mitigate the severity of his crimes, which have left a permanent scar on the young girl’s life.

As part of his sentencing, Stewart was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order. These measures are designed to restrict his future behavior and protect the community from potential harm once he is released from prison.

Judge Simon Hirst, who presided over the case, described the victim’s statement as “harrowing reading,” underscoring the emotional toll of Stewart’s actions. In his sentencing remarks, the judge condemned the offences as “dreadful,” highlighting the grooming involved and the significant age disparity between Stewart and his young victim. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such predatory behaviour is viewed, especially when it results in a child becoming a parent at such a tender age.