SIMON STEVENS SHOCKS SILVERTON AND OTTERY ST. MARY WITH SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Silverton and Ottery St. Mary, Simon Stevens, a 30-year-old man, was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a young girl aged just 13. The incident unfolded during a period when severe winter weather led to the closure of numerous schools across the region, including those in the vicinity of Silverton and Ottery St. Mary.

According to court proceedings, Stevens, who was residing in Silverton at the time, took advantage of the snowy conditions to lure the young girl to his flat. He had previously bought her alcohol and cigarettes, knowing she was underage and unable to purchase such items legally at local shops. On a day when the weather caused widespread school closures, Stevens invited the girl to his residence, where the unlawful acts took place.

The court heard that Stevens initially denied having any sexual contact with the girl. However, investigators uncovered incriminating text messages on her phone, which clearly indicated that sexual activity had occurred. These messages played a crucial role in establishing his guilt. The incident was brought to light after the girl visited a school nurse, which prompted her to confide in her family. Subsequently, police were involved, and a thorough investigation ensued.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, Stevens, of Wyndham Road, Silverton, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with a child. Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced him to three and a half years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge remarked, "You knew her age but you proceeded through texts, e-mails, and other means to get closer to her, which resulted in sexual contact. You now accept full responsibility, but what occurred was not trivial, and her behavior does not justify your actions."

Judge Salomonsen further pointed out that, although Stevens' defense suggested the girl was not corrupted by him, the fact remained that she was only 13 years old and he was a man of mature years. His deliberate decision to engage in sexual acts with her, despite knowing her age, was a serious breach of trust and legality.

Prosecutor Emily Pitts detailed that the girl had initially visited Stevens' flat to see a younger relative. During her visit, Stevens befriended her, and the sexual encounters began when she was unable to attend school due to the snowstorm. The court was told that Stevens carried her into his bedroom, where they engaged in sexual activity on two separate occasions. The offences were uncovered after the girl sought medical assistance from a school nurse, which led her to disclose the abuse to her family. The police then retrieved text messages from her phone that confirmed the misconduct.

Defense lawyer David Evans acknowledged the seriousness of the case, noting that Stevens would likely lose his job as a consequence of his actions. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Silverton and Ottery St. Mary, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the consequences of exploiting their trust.