STEVEN FILAN OF ORTON BRIMBLES SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL IN PETERBOROUGH

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Orton Brimbles and the wider Peterborough area, Steven Filan, aged 36, has been sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences spanned several years, during which Filan subjected the innocent victim to repeated sexual abuse, beginning when she was just four years old.

Filan's actions included not only the physical abuse but also the production of sexual images of the girl, further compounding the severity of his crimes. Despite the overwhelming evidence and the jury's conviction following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court earlier this year, Filan maintained his innocence regarding the rape and sexual assault allegations. However, the court's decision was clear, and yesterday, Judge Nic Madge handed down a substantial sentence, reflecting the gravity of the offences.

During the sentencing hearing, a pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service was read aloud. The report described Filan as “a controlling individual who manipulated his victim,” highlighting the predatory nature of his conduct. It also emphasized that Filan posed a “high level of risk to other children,” raising concerns about his potential threat to the community.

Prosecutor Jacqueline Matthews-Stroud provided further details, stating, “The rapes took place over a significant period of time, starting when she was aged four.” She also revealed that some of the offences occurred within Peterborough itself, indicating that the abuse was not confined to a single location.

Filan had pleaded guilty to 13 counts of taking indecent images, but he denied six counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault, and three counts of assault of a child by penetration. As the court proceedings unfolded, Filan was seen shaking his head in the dock as descriptions of his crimes were read out, showing little emotion as he was ultimately sentenced. The judge ordered him to serve 19 years for each of the rape and assault by penetration charges, with an additional five years for each indecent assault, all to be served concurrently. For the indecent images, he received a one-year sentence for each count, also to run concurrently but separate from the other sentences.

His time spent in custody on remand—totaling 233 days—will be credited towards his overall sentence. Additionally, Filan was prohibited from working with children and was issued an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, ensuring ongoing restrictions on his contact with minors.

Defense lawyer Hugh Vass acknowledged Filan’s guilty pleas and his lack of prior convictions, stating, “The defendant is 36 years old and of previous good character. There is no evidence he has abused any other child. He pleaded guilty to taking indecent photos of a child, which were for his own gratification, not distribution. He has expressed shame and remorse for these actions.”

Judge Madge, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the impact of Filan’s prolonged abuse, stating, “Your prolonged sexual abuse of your victim is not something that she could continue hiding. There is no doubt that she had to tell someone—a friend—and that friend was bound to tell a teacher. Given your culpability and the harm caused, I have to impose a very substantial custodial sentence.”

Authorities also reminded the public that any young individuals feeling worried or affected by abuse can contact Childline for free at 0800 1111, providing a vital resource for victims seeking help and support.