STEPHEN MASKELL SENTENCED IN GRANTHAM FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2014, Stephen Maskell, a resident of East Street in Grantham, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl who was only seven years old at the time. The charges stemmed from incidents that allegedly took place between March 1991 and December 1992. Despite initially denying the allegations, Maskell faced a trial earlier this year during which the court found him guilty of four counts of indecent assault.

Following his conviction, Judge Michael Heath ordered Maskell to be placed on the sex offenders' register for the remainder of his life, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The court heard that the victim, who was a child at the time, did not report the abuse immediately. She was reportedly too frightened to come forward during the initial period, which is often the case in such sensitive cases involving young victims. It was only later that she confided in a relative, prompting police to become involved and initiate an investigation.

During the trial, Maskell maintained his innocence, claiming that the assaults did not occur. However, the evidence presented was sufficient for the court to convict him of the charges. Judge Heath described Maskell as a “bully who had shown no remorse,” highlighting the lack of contrition from the defendant despite the serious nature of the allegations. The sentencing and the court's remarks underscore the gravity of the crimes committed and the importance of justice for victims of such abuse.