STEPHEN HIGGITT SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN WADEBRIDGE AND THE MIDLANDS

In October 2017, a disturbing case unfolded involving Stephen Higgitt, a man previously residing in Wadebridge, who was convicted of heinous crimes committed against two young girls. The case was heard at Truro Crown Court, where a jury found Higgitt guilty of six serious charges related to sexual abuse, including two counts of assault on a child under 13 by penetration, three additional assaults by penetration, and one charge of sexual assault.

Higgitt, aged 60 at the time, arrived at the court for his sentencing hearing carrying several large bags and a guitar, an unusual sight that drew attention. The court proceedings revealed that the abuse took place over a span of years, specifically between 2008 and 2014, and involved two victims. The allegations detailed how Higgitt, who was a primary school teacher and regarded as an upstanding family man, used his trusted position to commit these appalling acts.

Prosecutor Heather Hope described the nature of the abuse, stating that Higgitt had touched the victims’ private parts and breasts. She emphasized that despite his respectable outward appearance, the allegations were serious and deeply troubling. Hope also highlighted that some people failed to take the accusations seriously initially, dismissing them as the victims’ attempts to cause trouble, which added to the trauma experienced by the victims.

One of the girls was particularly affected by the abuse, struggling with its aftermath by becoming aggressive towards family and friends and engaging in late-night drinking. Hope explained that the girl was initially too frightened to report the abuse to the police, fearing she would be seen as disgusting. She recounted that the girl expressed her desire to move on with her life and not be consumed by anger, saying, “I just want this to be over with so I can live my life how I want it to be and not get angry.”

Throughout the trial, Higgitt maintained his innocence, denying all charges and claiming he was the victim of “wild and spiteful allegations.” His defense argued that he was a hardworking man of previously good character, who had been caring for his elderly parents suffering from dementia while on bail. The defense also pointed out that the entire family was suffering due to the trial and its verdicts.

Judge Simon Carr delivered a stern sentence, condemning Higgitt for abusing the trust placed in him as a primary school teacher. The judge stated that Higgitt had “abused the most appalling way” the trust of the community and the victims. He emphasized that when one of the girls finally found the courage to speak out, her claims were initially disbelieved, which was devastating for her. The judge noted that the other girl also faced disbelief, adding to her trauma. Higgitt showed no remorse for his actions, which further aggravated the severity of his sentence.

Judge Carr concluded that only with time would the full extent of the harm caused by Higgitt be understood. As a result, Higgitt was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with the requirement to serve half of that term before being eligible for release. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct after his release.