SOMERSET CARE HOME OWNER STEPHEN HYLAND SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ABUSE IN LANGPORT

In October 2012, Stephen Hyland, a 55-year-old care home manager from Aller Road, Langport, Somerset, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for abusing two young girls. Hyland, who managed seven children's homes across Somerset, used his authority to instill fear and control over the girls in his care, treating them like slaves.

Hyland was convicted at Exeter Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of four rapes, another serious sexual assault, three indecent assaults, and two counts of child cruelty, despite denying all charges. During the sentencing, Judge Erik Salomonsen highlighted that Hyland’s victims were particularly vulnerable, having already suffered abuse at home before being placed in care.

The court heard that Hyland repeatedly abused one girl, taking her to an outhouse claiming to provide counselling to help her cope with previous trauma. Hyland was led away from the dock shouting, “You have just sentenced an innocent man to die in prison.”

Defence lawyer Ignatius Hughes stated that Hyland maintains his innocence and would face difficulties serving his sentence due to longstanding health issues, including heart disease.

Judge Salomonsen detailed the impact of Hyland’s actions, saying, “The first victim did not complain because she had nowhere else to go and she was in fear of you. The girls felt dirty and disgusted as a result of your abuse. You punched, slapped, and kicked these children; they described beatings, with one saying you were so violent she almost jumped out of a window.”

Earlier in the year, Hyland broke down and wept in court after being found guilty of abusing two school-age girls. The nine-day trial concluded with a unanimous verdict on some charges and majority verdicts on others. He faces a possible prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.

Prosecutor Ian Dixey described Hyland as a controlling and aggressive individual who exploited his powerful position over girls from troubled backgrounds. The abuse against one girl started when she was 11 and continued until she was approximately 15. The victim secretly recorded a conversation with Hyland, asking, “Why did you do it?” to which he replied, “I don’t know, why did you?” She then noted, “I was only 11.”

The court was informed that Hyland was not a qualified social worker but had attended various courses and claimed to work with psychiatrists, psychologists, and consultants. Hyland admitted the recording was not a complete account of their interactions.

It was also revealed that Hyland was aware of the damage his actions had caused, describing the girl as “a very damaged child” and stating that these young victims could become fixated on him. Hyland expressed that he had raised concerns about the situation, claiming: “I reported concerns I had and was drawing attention to everything that was going on.”