STEPHEN WARNER SENTENCED IN BASINGSTOKE FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

After more than thirty years of evading justice, Stephen Warner, a man from Basingstoke, has finally been held accountable for his heinous sexual crimes committed against a young girl. The long-awaited breakthrough came when Warner’s victim, who had endured the trauma in silence for decades, found the courage to come forward and report the abuse to the police. Her decision to speak out was instrumental in securing a conviction, as she provided crucial testimony during the court proceedings that ultimately led to Warner’s sentencing.

Warner, now aged 59, was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child following a detailed week-long trial held at Winchester Crown Court last month. The court heard that the assaults spanned several years, with one of the indecent assault charges relating to multiple attacks on the victim when she was a child between 1975 and 1984. The other two charges involved specific incidents, including one that occurred when the victim was 17 years old.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Guy Boney addressed Warner directly, emphasizing that the passage of time had not diminished the pain inflicted upon the victim. The judge remarked, “She is now a mature woman and the damage you have done to her is still plain to see when she described what you had done. At one point, she used the expression ‘you had ruined her’.” The court acknowledged the enduring impact of Warner’s actions, which had left deep scars on the victim’s life.

Warner faced additional charges, including a count of rape, which the jury acquitted him of, and a third count of indecent assault, on which they could not reach a verdict. Throughout the trial, Warner maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. His defense attorney, Mary Aspinall-Miles, urged the court to consider the acquittal on the rape charge when determining the sentence. She highlighted Warner’s health issues, noting that he had suffered a stroke in 2010 and was experiencing stress and depression. Aspinall-Miles also pointed out that Warner, who had two previous convictions for arson and assault against his current partner, had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act following an incident in 1990.

Prosecutor Timothy Moores detailed that the assaults took place at various locations around Basingstoke. He explained that the victim had not initially reported the abuse but decided to come forward last year after considerable reflection. Moores emphasized that it is not uncommon for victims of such crimes to delay reporting, often due to fear or trauma.

Warner, who resides on Trinidad Close, Popley, Basingstoke, was sentenced to a total of two years and nine months in prison. The sentence comprises 27 months for one count of indecent assault, nine months for the second count of indecent assault, to run concurrently, and an additional six months for the indecency with a child charge, which will be served consecutively. Furthermore, Warner has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s stance on public safety.

As Warner was led away, he sighed deeply, a sign of resignation or perhaps remorse. His conviction marks a significant moment of justice for the victim, who endured decades of silence and suffering before finally seeing her abuser held accountable.