STEFFAN COX SENTENCED IN CAMPBELTOWN FOR SCOTLAND'S HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENCES

A man named Steffan Cox, whose criminal activities spanned across various locations in Scotland, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence following a series of heinous sexual offences. Cox, aged 25, was convicted of a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour that included stalking, sexual assault, and rape, targeting numerous women he met through social media platforms and dating applications.

His actions, described as 'appalling and predatory' by the presiding judge, Lord Young, involved a range of disturbing tactics. Cox repeatedly made anonymous and indecent phone calls to his victims, often threatening them with rape and, in one particularly terrifying instance, telling a woman that he would rape her so her son could hear her screams. One of the victims was just 15 years old at the time, highlighting the alarming nature of his offending.

During the sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that Cox had committed a total of 21 sexual offences between 2016 and 2022. He had previously pleaded guilty in February to charges related to indecent communication, but the full extent of his crimes was laid bare during the trial. The court heard that Cox's behaviour was not only persistent but also escalated over time, demonstrating a dangerous obsession with rape and sexual violence.

Judge Lord Young emphasized that Cox's continued denial of responsibility for the most serious offences was concerning. Nevertheless, he decided against imposing a lifelong restriction order, citing Cox's youth and the possibility of rehabilitation. The judge acknowledged Cox's prior conviction in 2017 for making sexually violent calls to teenagers but noted that this had not deterred him from further offending. Instead, Cox's behaviour had become more compulsive and dangerous.

Detective Sergeant Julie Nedley, of the National Rape Taskforce, commented on the case, stating that Cox was now facing the consequences of his 'appalling and predatory behaviour.' She praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and expressed hope that the sentence would provide some closure. She also reaffirmed the commitment of Police Scotland and partner agencies to thoroughly investigate all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of how much time had passed.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Young detailed the severity of Cox's crimes, including three charges of rape, sexual assaults, and numerous counts of making unwanted sexual verbal communications to 15 women. Many victims were identified through Cox's social media activity, where he referenced their Instagram profiles and even their clothing in photos. The court also found that Cox possessed extreme pornographic material, including images of rape, and had sent intimate videos of himself and a former partner to two women.

The judge reviewed victim impact statements, which highlighted the profound harm caused to the victims, and noted that the psychological scars would likely persist. A risk assessment was conducted, which indicated that Cox posed a high risk of reoffending, especially given his history of escalating sexual violence. Despite his claims of willingness to engage in rehabilitation programs, Lord Young expressed skepticism, citing Cox's continued denial of responsibility and his obsessive interest in rape.

Regarding sentencing, Cox was given an extended sentence of 12 years and 9 months, with a further four years on licence in the community. This included a period of imprisonment and a supervised extension period, during which he would be subject to strict licence conditions. The court also ordered indefinite registration on the sex offenders' register and imposed non-harassment orders preventing Cox from contacting or approaching his victims for 20 years.

Overall, the case underscores the serious nature of Cox's crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and the commitment of the Scottish justice system to addressing sexual violence in all its forms.