STEPHEN MAZUREK FROM SOUTHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In August 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving a prominent businessman from Southam, Stephen Mazurek, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in the aftermath of a rugby club event, has left a lasting scar on the young victim and has garnered significant attention within the local community.

According to court proceedings, the teenage girl recounted her harrowing experience, revealing that she had contemplated ending her own life due to the trauma inflicted upon her. She described feeling overwhelmed by the incident, which she said had profoundly affected her mental health. Her statement, delivered tearfully in court, detailed her suffering and her struggle to find closure.

Mazurek, aged 42 and residing on Pine Tree Crescent in Southam, initially pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child. However, on the day of his trial at Warwick Crown Court, with the victim present to give evidence, he unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty. This shift in stance underscored the gravity of the evidence against him.

The prosecution, led by Caroline Bray, outlined the circumstances of the assault. The incident reportedly occurred after Mazurek attended a rugby club function where he had been drinking and had purchased drinks for the girl. The court heard that Mazurek later asked the girl for a kiss, which she gave on the cheek. However, he then attempted to kiss her on the mouth and tried to insert his tongue, causing her to freeze in fear. Following this, he proceeded to touch her inappropriately.

After the assault, the girl managed to escape and confided in a friend about what had transpired. She also informed her mother, who confronted Mazurek. He denied the allegations, claiming they were false and insisting that nothing had happened. Despite his denials, the evidence and the victim’s testimony led to his guilty plea.

In court, the young girl read an impact statement, expressing the profound emotional toll the incident had taken on her. She stated, “I have suffered massively. I thought killing myself would end my pain. The only thing that stopped me was wondering how my family would cope. People did not believe me because he’s this amazing businessman… but why would I choose to lie? Although I have my family around me, I just can’t find closure. I am sick and tired of aching like this.”

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC responded with compassion, acknowledging her bravery in speaking out. He expressed hope that she would eventually find some measure of peace and closure.

Mazurek’s defense, presented by Graeme Simpson, emphasized his efforts to address the issues arising from the case. Simpson highlighted that Mazurek, who manages the family business Mazurek Optical Services, had undertaken counseling and was attempting to deal with the situation responsibly. The court was told that Mazurek had been a positive figure in the community, sponsoring local rugby and charities, and supporting a teenage boxer.

Despite these character references, Judge Lockhart sentenced Mazurek to 27 months in prison. The judge acknowledged that alcohol may have played a role in his disinhibition but emphasized the severity of the victim’s statement and the impact on her. Mazurek was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order.

The court’s decision reflected the seriousness with which the justice system treats offenses involving minors, and the case has left a lasting impression on the community of Southam, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse.