STEPHEN THOMPSON OF SCAWBY BROOK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASES INVOLVING YOUNG VICTIMS

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Stephen Thompson, aged 51 and residing on Silversides Lane in Scawby Brook, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes committed against two young children during his teenage years. The disturbing incidents, which took place when Thompson was just 14 years old, only came to light after extensive investigations and years of silence from the victims.

Thompson was found guilty of five separate offences of indecent assault following a trial held in October. The court heard that he targeted a seven-year-old girl, subjecting her to indecent touching inside a shed. Additionally, he coerced a five-year-old boy into touching his genitals on three separate occasions. These assaults included an incident where the boy was hiding under a bed and another where he was in the bath, illustrating the disturbing nature of Thompson’s abuse.

The revelations emerged when the woman, now in her 40s, reported Thompson to the police after many years of suffering in silence. Her account of the abuse detailed how Thompson’s actions had profoundly affected her life, describing how he had 'robbed her childhood.' She explained that the trauma had also impacted her adult life, including her marriage, which eventually ended due to her struggles with trust and intimacy. In her victim statement, she expressed her desire to move forward, stating, “I want to get on with my life,” while also revealing ongoing issues with anxiety and depression. She recounted how the lengthy police investigation and court proceedings had left her feeling as though her life was on hold, and she reflected on her initial ignorance of the wrongfulness of the abuse at the time.

The male victim, who was also abused by Thompson, shared his own painful journey. He disclosed that he had kept his trauma bottled up for over 30 years before finally speaking out. His statement revealed how he had contemplated ending his life during a moment of despair, feeling overwhelmed by the memories. He described turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism and acknowledged the strain his struggles had placed on his marriage. The victim detailed how he had difficulty trusting others and forming relationships, and how he now takes medication for anxiety and depression. He also mentioned ongoing counselling and the persistent 'wobble'—a term he used to describe the intrusive thoughts that disrupt his concentration and daily life.

Judge Ahmed Nadim sentenced Stephen Thompson to 30 months in prison. The judge also issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victims from any further contact with Thompson. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Nadim emphasized the lasting damage inflicted upon the victims, stating, “Each of your victims has had their childhoods scarred by what you did to them. Their ability to form relationships and trust others has been compromised, and many years later, they are still enduring the effects of your actions.” The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.