PORTISHEAD MAN JAILED FOR 21 YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEX ABUSE OF GIRLS
DECEASED ——————————————————————————————————- A man from Portishead has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being convicted of raping and indecently assaulting two young girls.The accused, 67-year-old Steven Cleverley, denied the charges of historical abuse, yet a jury convicted him on two counts of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Edward Burgess KC commented: "Your actions have caused significant psychological damage to both victims, which is evident without the need for expert testimony." Cleverley was mandated to register his location with authorities for life, received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent further offenses, and was prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults.
The victims gave impact statements describing their feelings of fear, anxiety, and recurring flashbacks.
One told how she felt "scared, anxious, and worried" after the abuse and suffered "terrible" flashbacks.
The other recounted being physically assaulted, spat on, and subjected to inappropriate touching, leading her to feel dirty and worthless, stating: "I was made to feel I wasn't nice; I wasn't anything." Detective Sergeant Louise Findlay praised the victims' bravery in coming forward and expressed hope that the verdict and sentence will reassure others who may be considering reporting similar incidents.
Defence lawyers argued Cleverley’s health issues would make incarceration more difficult for him.
The court’s ruling underscores the gravity of the offenses and their profound, enduring effects on the victims.
