RUTLAND SEX OFFENDER STEPHEN TILLEY SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR ABUSING CHILDREN

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Rutland, Stephen Tilley, aged 67, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving young girls. The conviction was secured after a complex and emotionally taxing trial process that revealed the extent of Tilley’s predatory behavior.

Judge Simon Hammond, presiding over the case at Leicester Crown Court, described Tilley as a 'wicked man' and emphasized the severity of his crimes. The judge’s comments came after a jury convicted Tilley on 11-1 majority verdicts, which included charges of repeated indecency with a minor, gross indecency, and attempted rape. The offenses spanned over several years, with the earliest allegations dating back to the 1990s and the most recent in August 2012.

Specifically, Tilley was convicted of abusing one girl from the age of six until she was 13, subjecting her to repeated indecent acts and gross indecency. He was also found guilty of attempting to rape her when she was just 10 years old. Additionally, he was convicted of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl by placing his hand down her trousers during an incident in August 2012.

The trial was particularly arduous for the victims, who had to relive their traumatic experiences by giving evidence three times. This was due to the collapse of two earlier trials—one when Tilley fell ill and another when the jury was deadlocked. Despite these setbacks, the victims’ testimonies ultimately led to his conviction. One of the victims, now an adult, expressed her frustration, stating, “The sentence isn’t long enough and he should serve the full term, not half of it. He’s a paedophile and I hope he dies in prison.”

The second victim’s mother also voiced her disdain for Tilley, criticizing his apparent lack of remorse. She said, “He’s shown no remorse and there’s been no apology, which is insulting. He’s deluded and he’s a disgusting man.”

Throughout the trial, the victims demonstrated remarkable courage and dignity. Judge Hammond praised them for their bravery and believed them unequivocally. He acknowledged the profound impact the abuse had on their lives, with the first victim, who suffers from depression and relationship difficulties, delivering a poignant statement. She revealed that as a child, she wished she could fly away from her suffering, recounting how Tilley told her he loved her and wanted her to have his baby.

Meanwhile, the second victim, now aged 10, wrote an articulate letter to the court describing her fears and nervousness about giving evidence multiple times. Both victims expressed feelings of hatred towards Tilley but also relief and happiness that justice was finally served.

Judge Hammond highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, including the planning and grooming involved, the extreme youth of the victims, the repeated nature of the offenses, and the deliberate isolation of the children from their families during the abuse. Tilley’s defense, represented by Adrienne Lucking, argued that he maintained his innocence and suffered from mental health issues and medical ailments that would make his time in prison particularly difficult.

As part of his sentence, Tilley will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case has also prompted a call for other potential victims to come forward. The first victim, now 30 years old, has publicly spoken out, urging others who may have suffered at Tilley’s hands to seek help and report their experiences. She emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “If this is happening to you, you must tell someone. It is not right. Whatever your abuser is telling you, it is not right and it is them that is in the wrong.”

Detective Sergeant Dave Speight from the Serious Crime and Safeguarding Team commended the victims for their bravery and urged anyone who might have been victimized by Tilley to contact the authorities. He reassured the public that the investigation remains open and that there could be other victims out there who have yet to come forward, emphasizing the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable children in Rutland and beyond.