STEVEN BANKS, BALLINGRY SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED IN STIRLING FOR MULTIPLE RAPE VICTIMS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Ballingry and beyond, Steven Banks, aged 39, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls. The proceedings took place at the High Court in Stirling, where Banks was sentenced to a substantial prison term for his disturbing crimes.

Details of the case reveal that Banks, who is currently incarcerated in Perth Prison, committed these acts over a span of several years. His first known victim, now 23 years old, testified that Banks lured her into his home in Ballingry under the pretense of sharing a meal with his mother. After his mother fell asleep on the couch, Banks took her to his bedroom, where he began to manipulate her emotionally and physically. She described feeling naive and unaware of the danger, recounting how Banks initially gained her trust by acting kindly and then gradually crossing boundaries.

She recounted that Banks asked her to change into a Rangers football top, promising he would not hurt her. Despite her nervousness and insistence that she was not ready, Banks reassured her that they could take things slowly. She explained that she was trembling as he removed her underwear and proceeded to sexually assault her, leaving her feeling discarded and as if nothing had happened afterward. Her testimony was marked by emotional distress, highlighting the profound impact of Banks' actions on her life.

The second victim, now 19, had a different relationship with Banks, whom she initially regarded as a father figure. She described how Banks would often ask about her well-being and offer her comfort when she was upset. However, this seemingly caring behavior was a facade that masked his predatory intentions. Banks sexually abused and raped her after gaining her trust and isolating her from others. The abuse took place at various locations, including Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath, over a period from February 2014 to February 2017.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by advocate depute Lynsey MacDonald, emphasized that Banks exploited every opportunity to prey on these vulnerable girls. The jury, after careful deliberation, returned a majority verdict convicting Banks of raping his first victim in his mother’s house in Ballingry between August and September 2011, and a unanimous verdict of raping the second girl in multiple locations over several years.

It was also revealed that Banks is serving a 12-year sentence for a separate conviction related to a £6,000 robbery at a Tesco store in Staffordshire, where he acted as a getaway driver. Following that incident, he returned to Fife to care for his ailing mother. The conviction for robbery was initially separate but was later linked to the ongoing investigation into his sexual offenses, which had been delayed in disclosure by his victims.

Judge Lord Young, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, condemning Banks for his manipulative and predatory behavior. He sentenced Banks to 11 years in prison, with the sentence to run from the date of sentencing, considering the totality of his criminal conduct. The judge also ordered Banks to be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and issued non-harassment orders to protect the victims from any contact or approach.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Young described Banks as 'sly, manipulative, vindictive,' highlighting how he groomed his victims by exploiting their vulnerabilities. The judge emphasized the breach of trust involved in the abuse, especially noting the grooming of the second victim, who was only 10 years old at the time. The court acknowledged the long-lasting damage inflicted upon the victims, while also recognizing their resilience and efforts to rebuild their lives.

As a result of his convictions, Banks faces strict monitoring and restrictions, including indefinite notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the community’s need for protection from such dangerous offenders.