STEPHEN GRIFFITHS FROM CHAPELFORD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRL IN LIVERPOOL

In October 2021, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Stephen Griffiths, a resident of Chapelford. The court heard that Griffiths had engaged in a prolonged pattern of sexual misconduct against a teenage girl, beginning when she was as young as 14 years old. Over a span of approximately two years, Griffiths repeatedly assaulted the young victim, exploiting her trust and innocence.

Details revealed during the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, which was held at a Nightingale Court within the Hilton Hotel at Liverpool One, painted a grim picture of the offender’s predatory behavior. The court was informed that Griffiths, who resides on Houston Gardens, initiated contact through a series of messages that groomed the girl, gradually breaking down her defenses. He also sent her explicit images of himself, further manipulating her into a vulnerable state.

The abuse escalated to physical assault on at least two occasions. One such incident involved Griffiths forcing himself upon her inside a taxi, an act that left the victim traumatized. The court also heard about a subsequent attack at a house party, where Griffiths followed the girl into a bathroom. There, he used a coin loaded with cocaine, placing it under her nose and encouraging her to sniff it. During this encounter, he inappropriately touched her, an act that caused her to become physically ill afterward.

The young woman, demonstrating remarkable bravery, read a heartfelt statement to the court, describing the profound and lasting impact of Griffiths’ actions. She expressed her ongoing fears, stating, “I never felt safe when he was roaming the streets and feared he would be hiding around the corner. I doubt this will ever leave me – I still continue to live in fear.” She further revealed that her nightmares and sense of security had been shattered, describing her monster as the trauma that continues to haunt her. “My monster was and still is in my head,” she said. The victim emphasized that her outlook on life had been forever altered, and she questioned when she might find happiness again.

She also condemned Griffiths’ apparent lack of remorse, asserting, “He has never shown any remorse – he doesn’t understand the severity of his calculated actions. His abuse has damaged me for life. I have to live with the life sentence that man has given me.”

Following a trial earlier this year, Griffiths was found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault, engaging in sexual communications with a minor, and causing a child to observe sexual activity. The court’s sentencing decision was delivered by Recorder Eric Lamb, who sentenced Griffiths to a term of two years and nine months in prison.

In his remarks, Recorder Lamb acknowledged the seriousness of Griffiths’ conduct, stating, “You are now able to see your conduct for what it truly was. You have now come to your senses and realised the harm that you have done. Anybody, including yourself, seeing her moving description of the impact upon her could not fail to recognise just what a devastating effect your offending had upon her young life.” The judge emphasized that the offenses spanned a lengthy period and involved a significant age disparity, justifying a custodial sentence.

Additionally, Griffiths was subjected to a lifelong notification requirement and a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victim for the next ten years. The court also ordered that he serve half of his sentence in custody before being released on license, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to protect the victim from further harm.