STEPHEN TOPP LANDFORD PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WINCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Landford and the surrounding areas, Stephen James Topp, aged 48, was brought before Winchester Crown Court to face serious charges related to his predatory behavior towards a young girl. The court proceedings revealed that Topp, who previously resided on Lyndhurst Road in Landford, engaged in reprehensible acts involving a minor, which included offering money in exchange for sexual services and capturing indecent photographs of the girl.

The court heard that Topp approached a 14-year-old girl and offered her £50, a sum that indicates an attempt to lure her into a sexual act. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Topp not only performed a sexual act on the young girl but also took explicit photographs of her, some of which were described as particularly vile by the presiding judge. Judge Andrew Barrett condemned Topp’s conduct, stating, “Quite plainly you enticed that girl into having photos taken and you took a particularly vile photo. In my view it reflects a revolting piece of conduct made all the worse by the difference in your ages.”

During the hearing, Jeremy Wright, representing Topp, argued that his client believed the victim was at least 17 years old, a claim that was ultimately dismissed by the court given the evidence of the girl’s age and the nature of the offenses.

Prior to this sentencing, Topp had been found guilty at Salisbury Crown Court of paying for sex with a girl aged between 13 and 16, as well as taking indecent photographs of her. The verdict was reached at an earlier hearing, and the court’s decision to impose a sentence of 30 months’ imprisonment was announced on the Monday following the trial.

In addition to his prison sentence, Topp was issued a sexual offences prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years. Furthermore, he will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police expressed their relief and hope that this case would serve as a warning to other potential victims of sexual abuse. The police representative stated, “The young victim has been very brave in coming forward and speaking to the police and we hope that this case will encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.”