SHOCKING CRIME: STEPHEN REESON FROM PLYMOUTH AND UDDINGSTON ABUSES TEEN FOR EIGHT YEARS

In a harrowing case that has shocked communities in Plymouth and Uddingston, a man named Stephen Reeson, aged 52, has been convicted of a prolonged and deeply disturbing pattern of sexual abuse against a young girl. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has bravely come forward to recount the horrific ordeal that spanned over eight years, beginning when she was just eight years old.

Reeson, who was known to the girl’s family after they met in 2006 in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, initially appeared to be a caring and attentive individual. However, beneath this facade lay a manipulative predator. The girl’s family believed Reeson to be a doting figure, but her testimony reveals a different, darker reality. She described how he gradually gained her trust and twisted her perception of their relationship, convincing her that they were in love, despite the fact that he was abusing her.

The abuse began shortly after Reeson became acquainted with her family. The girl recounted that her first sexual assault occurred when she was just eight years old, while her mother was away at work. She described feeling terrified and helpless, pretending to be asleep as Reeson pulled off her trousers and assaulted her. Over the years, the assaults became more frequent and severe, with the girl revealing that at one point, Reeson was having sex with her every day. She also described a particularly traumatic incident where he wrapped a belt around her neck and forced her to perform a sex act, which left her violently sick.

Despite her suffering, the girl attempted to seek help at age 13 by confiding in a teacher about her experiences. Unfortunately, her disclosure was met with disbelief, as Reeson was widely regarded as charming and kind by those around him. She explained that she did not fully understand what was happening to her at the time and simply agreed when others asked if she had heard the word ‘rape’ in the playground. This misunderstanding led her to normalize the abuse, believing it was acceptable, and she described how it became a routine part of her life.

Reeson’s manipulative tactics extended to her teenage years. He paid for her to have his name tattooed in Chinese characters on her hip, claiming it was a symbol of their relationship. The girl, then 14, believed Reeson when he told her he was her boyfriend and that they would marry someday. She was unaware of the true nature of his intentions and the extent of his manipulation. Her suffering culminated in a miscarriage when she was 14, which she described as an excruciating experience. She was at a church group when she suddenly experienced severe pain, ran to the toilets, and realized she was pregnant. Reeson then picked her up, leaving her in pain without support.

Reeson’s predatory behavior continued until just two weeks before her 16th birthday, when she finally managed to break free from his control. He even promised her they would elope to the Seychelles and get married once she turned 16. However, in January of the following year, police acting on a tip-off arrested Reeson. Initially, the girl was reluctant to cooperate with authorities, fearing repercussions and feeling conflicted about exposing her abuser. Over time, she recognized the extent of her abuse and decided to speak out.

Her relationship with her mother suffered irreparable damage because her mother did not believe her initial disclosures. The case was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh, where Reeson admitted to a single charge of repeatedly engaging in sexual activity with the girl over a nine-month period when she was between 14 and 15 years old. Although he was initially charged with 14 similar counts, court officials stated that they did not keep a record of all the charges. Reeson’s actions were described by Lord Armstrong as “a gross breach of trust,” and he was sentenced to four years in prison.

The victim expressed her hope that sharing her story would encourage other victims of abuse to come forward. She emphasized that her perception of Reeson as a loving figure was a lie, and that she had been groomed and manipulated into believing she was loved. Over the past year, she has gained clarity and strength, and she now advocates for victims to seek justice without shame. She also revealed her intention to have the tattoo Reeson paid for covered up, as it serves as a painful reminder of her trauma. Her message is one of resilience and hope, urging others to break free from the cycle of abuse and seek help from authorities.