RICHARD STEVENS FROM CLEVEDON JAILED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NORTH SOMERSET

In a case that has shocked the community of Clevedon and the surrounding areas, Richard Stevens, a teacher from Butterfield Park in Clevedon, has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. The incident took place over a period of five months and involved multiple instances of unprotected sex, which occurred at Stevens' home, during camping trips, and at a hotel in Cardiff.

According to court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, Stevens, aged 35, initially developed a flirtatious relationship with the young girl after she showed signs of interest at her North Somerset school. Instead of reporting her advances or seeking help, Stevens chose to pursue a clandestine affair. The relationship escalated as he engaged in sexual activity with her, with the court revealing that the encounters included sexual touching and intercourse. The sexual activities persisted over several months, during which Stevens and the girl maintained contact both inside and outside of school.

When Stevens decided to end the relationship, the girl confided in her new boyfriend about what had transpired. This disclosure prompted her to seek advice from the NSPCC, and subsequently, police were contacted. Stevens, who resides in Clevedon, pleaded guilty to 11 charges related to sexual activity with a minor, including one count of sexual touching and multiple counts of sexual intercourse. The court was told that the girl was a virgin at the start of the relationship and that there was no coercion involved, as she had initiated contact and was on the contraceptive pill throughout.

Judge Martin Picton addressed Stevens directly during sentencing, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim due to her age and position. He stated, “Your victim, for she was a victim, was vulnerable by reason of her age. She was vulnerable by reason of her position. She was entitled to be protected.” The judge also imposed a lifelong ban on Stevens working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender permanently.

Prosecutor Mark Hollier outlined the nature of the relationship, stating, “The girl developed a crush on Mr Stevens. She started to flirt with him. The defendant, from start to finish, failed to exercise any restraint. He befriended this young girl and had conversations with her. He encouraged her infatuation.” He added that the pair socialized outside of school hours and engaged in “deep and meaningful” conversations at Stevens’ home, which eventually led to sexual contact.

Hollier further explained that there was no coercion or threats involved, and that the girl was a virgin at the outset. After Stevens ended the relationship, he moved on to a relationship with an adult woman. The girl, distressed by the events, later confided in her new boyfriend, which led to police involvement. Stevens initially denied any wrongdoing but later voluntarily returned to the police station, where he admitted to the allegations without legal representation.

Defence lawyer Robert Duval argued that the relationship was consensual and initiated by the girl. He emphasized that there was no grooming or manipulation involved, and that Stevens had left a lucrative career in IT with the Bank of Ireland and private firms to pursue teacher training in his early thirties. Duval explained that Stevens’ marriage was failing, and he was experiencing loneliness both at home and at work, which contributed to his actions. The court was also informed that Stevens’ current partner is expecting a child next month, adding a personal dimension to the case.