STEPHEN ARNOPP AND GEMMA HILL SENTENCED IN WELWYN GARDEN CITY FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, a man and his accomplice have been handed lengthy prison sentences after a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. Stephen Arnopp, aged 34, and Gemma Hill, aged 33, were both convicted and sentenced to a combined total of 17 years behind bars for their roles in the sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.

Their arrest followed a police investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence at Arnopp's residence in Welwyn Garden City. Authorities found the victim's underwear at his home, which served as a crucial piece of evidence linking him directly to the abuse. The investigation revealed that the pair had engaged in a series of malicious communications, including explicit text messages in which Arnopp detailed his plans to sexually assault the girl. There were also discussions about a second potential victim, a nine-year-old girl, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Further details emerged during the court proceedings, revealing that Arnopp had provided the young girl with a mobile phone. Under the false identity of a schoolboy named James, he encouraged her to send explicit photographs of herself. The assault took place on June 5 of the previous year, during which Arnopp raped the girl twice. The court heard that Hill, who was complicit in the crimes, tried to dissuade the girl from reporting the incidents, urging her to remain silent. Despite her efforts, the girl confided in her school, leading to the police being informed of the abuse.

The judge presiding over the case expressed deep concern over the lasting impact of the trauma inflicted upon the victim. She described the effects as 'incalculable' and likely to be 'difficult and profound' for the girl in the years to come. Both Arnopp and Hill admitted to all charges brought against them, which included multiple counts of sexual assault, conspiracy to commit sexual activity with a minor, and inciting a child to engage in sexual acts.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Marie Catterson highlighted the severity of Arnopp's crimes, noting that his abuse involved 'sustained and significant planning.' She pointed out that it was fortunate the pair was apprehended before they could carry out further attacks on other children. Arnopp was sentenced to 11 years in prison for abusing and raping a girl under the age of 13. Additionally, he received two concurrent 40-month sentences for conspiracy charges, along with an eight-year sentence for the rapes, to be served consecutively. He also received shorter sentences for inciting sexual activity and other related offenses.

Gemma Hill, who was identified as having an 'extremely low' IQ, was sentenced to six years in prison. The court heard that she resided in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and her involvement in the crimes was significant. She received two concurrent sentences of four and a half years for conspiracy charges and an additional 18 months for cruelty to a person under 16. The judge imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits both defendants from contacting the victims, living in the same household as minors without supervision, or having any unsupervised contact with girls under 18.

Both Arnopp and Hill pleaded guilty to the charges against them, acknowledging their involvement in these grave offenses. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift justice in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.