STEPHEN WEBB FROM REDRUTH SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE OF PARALYTIC TEENAGER IN CORNWALL

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Cornwall, Stephen Webb, aged 35 and residing at Appin Gadens in Redruth, was convicted of attempting to sexually assault a vulnerable 16-year-old girl. The incident took place in 2015, but the repercussions and legal proceedings culminated in February 2019 when Webb was sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

According to court reports, Webb was introduced to the teenage victim and her boyfriend through a mutual acquaintance. During the gathering, Webb proceeded to serve the teenagers alcohol, specifically vodka and energy drinks, which he kept replenishing throughout the night. The victim, who was just barely 16 at the time, soon became unwell after consuming the alcohol. She vomited in the bathroom and then returned to the room where the group was gathered. Despite her condition, Webb continued to offer her more alcohol, exacerbating her distress.

Prosecutor Jo Martin detailed the sequence of events during the sentencing hearing. She explained that after the victim went to the bathroom, Webb followed her. He then pulled down his trousers and attempted to coerce her into touching his genitals. He also began to kiss her, despite her clearly being unwell. The victim asked to lie down to recover, but Webb entered the room, shut the door, and laid beside her. He then lifted her top and bra, licking her breast in a clear act of sexual misconduct. Webb further attempted to force her into performing oral sex, an act that was interrupted when her boyfriend knocked on the door, concerned about her well-being.

At that point, Webb falsely told the boyfriend that they were still chatting, while the victim was still incapacitated and unable to fully comprehend what was happening. As she started to regain her senses, she pushed Webb away and screamed for help. Her boyfriend immediately responded to her cries and intervened, providing her with aid and stopping the assault.

The incident was promptly reported to the police by the young couple. Evidence collected included a DNA swab, which revealed traces of Webb’s semen on the victim’s skin, confirming his involvement. Webb’s criminal history was also highlighted during the proceedings, revealing a pattern of similar offenses, including sexual assault, indecent assault, and exposure. Notably, the court was informed that Webb was already serving a 12-month suspended sentence for sexual assault, which he breached seven months prior to this incident.

Judge Simon Carr presided over the case and expressed his strong disapproval of Webb’s actions. He stated that the provision of alcohol was clearly intended to facilitate a sexual assault on a young girl and that it was only the intervention of others that prevented the assault from escalating further. The judge emphasized Webb’s disturbing criminal record and his high risk to women, underscoring the seriousness of the offense.

Consequently, Webb was sentenced to nine years in prison. The court ordered that he serve at least two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, he was given an extended five-year period on license following his release. As part of his sentence, Webb was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.