STEPHEN HARPER

CHILD SEX ABUSER JAILED FOR MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS

Stephen Harper, aged 60 and residing at Hill Rise in Stowmarket, faced allegations of assaulting two individuals over a period from 2008 to 2024 in the vicinity of Stansted Mountfitchet.

Since the abuse was reported in June 2024, law enforcement authorities conducted a thorough and careful investigation, collaborating closely with the victims and their families to ensure their safety and support throughout the legal process.

As a result of the evidence gathered and statements obtained during the investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges against Harper in September 2025.

On 13 January 2026, he appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court, where he admitted guilt to nine charges five counts of assaulting a girl under the age of 13 through touching, and four counts of sexual assault.

He has subsequently been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and has been subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In statements submitted to the court one victim said.

Since his arrest I have had nightmares about what he did to me.

Because I couldn’t cope with what happened to me and didn’t know how to process it I spiralled out of control.

I didn’t comprehend the damage I was doing to myself.

I closed myself off emotionally and felt lost.

She also said she hoped Harper received the mental health support he clearly needed.