STEPHEN BERRY JAILED FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BICESTER AND OXFORDSHIRE

The disturbing case of Stephen Berry, a man from Hendon Place in Bicester, has come to a close with his sentencing for a series of heinous child sex offences spanning over three decades. The details of his crimes, which include serious charges such as rape and indecent assaults, have shocked the local community and the wider Oxfordshire area.

On Wednesday, June 4, at Oxford Crown Court, Berry was formally sentenced to an extensive prison term of 19 years and six months. The court's decision followed a guilty plea to multiple charges, revealing the extent of his criminal conduct. Thames Valley Police subsequently released a custody photograph of Berry on June 5, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the importance of public awareness.

Berry, aged 65, faced a total of 11 charges related to his abuse. These included two counts of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14, two counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14, four counts of rape involving a female under 16, one count of indecent assault on a girl under 16, and two counts of raping a woman. The offences, which occurred between 1976 and 2009, took place across various locations within Oxfordshire, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior over many years.

During the court proceedings, it was detailed that Berry’s actions spanned multiple decades, involving victims of different ages and genders. The judge, Ian Pringle KC, emphasized the severity of the crimes and the need for a substantial custodial sentence to reflect the harm inflicted upon the victims. The case has drawn significant attention to the ongoing issues of child protection and the importance of vigilance within communities like Bicester and beyond.

Berry’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of such offences and the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse. The community remains urged to stay alert and report any suspicions of abuse to authorities, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that victims receive the support they need.