STEVE HEWITT FROM KINGSTON-UPON-HULL AND RUGBY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Rugby and Kingston-upon-Hull, Steven Hewitt, a man with ties to both locations, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a 14-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that Hewitt inflicted on the young victim, who later came forward to report the crimes after reaching her twenties.

Hewitt, aged 33 at the time of sentencing, had previously denied all charges, which included three counts of sexual assault, seven counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of voyeurism. However, following a week-long trial at Warwick Crown Court in March, the jury found him guilty of all twelve charges. The court then adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared before delivering the final judgment.

During the sentencing hearing, Hewitt, who had been residing in Kingston-upon-Hull prior to his arrest, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The judge, Sylvia de Bertodano, did not hold back in her remarks, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in the case. She pointed out that Hewitt’s victim, who is now in her twenties, had initially confided in the police last year about the abuse she endured as a child. The court heard that the abuse began when she was just 14, while she was babysitting for Hewitt and his wife, who had lived at various addresses in Rugby.

The prosecution detailed how Hewitt’s offenses started with inappropriate physical contact. He also left his iPhone in the bathroom, apparently with the intent of secretly recording her in a state of undress. The victim recounted instances where Hewitt, while his wife was upstairs, would pin her down on the sofa and sexually assault her. Despite her efforts to push him away, Hewitt would persist, sometimes covering her mouth to prevent her from crying out.

Further evidence revealed that Hewitt had sought psychological help, during which he admitted to feeling guilty and described himself as a paedophile. In recorded phone calls, he expressed remorse and acknowledged that he knew his actions were wrong. He also confided in the therapy staff that he was contemplating suicide, stating, “I’m in my car and thinking of killing myself.” Hewitt’s victim did not initially report the abuse to the police because she did not want to upset Hewitt’s wife, with whom she had a good relationship. However, she later confided in a close friend and, in 2015, told Hewitt’s wife about the abuse. Hewitt’s wife initially did not believe her but eventually confronted Hewitt, who admitted to some of the allegations but claimed they had been consensual.

Hewitt’s arrest came early last year after police stopped his vehicle. The court heard that Hewitt maintained that the physical contact had occurred when the girl was older and that she had not objected, which he interpreted as consent. Despite his claims, the jury found him guilty of all charges. Hewitt showed signs of denial during the proceedings, repeatedly shaking his head as the judge outlined the severity of his offenses.

Judge Sylvia de Bertodano sentenced Hewitt to 11 years in prison and imposed a lifelong restraining order, forbidding him from contacting his victim in any way. She expressed her regret that no sentence could undo the damage done to the victim’s childhood and her trust in others. The judge also highlighted the personal consequences Hewitt faced, including the loss of his family life, his wife, and children, leaving him isolated in the world.

This case underscores the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims. The communities of Rugby and Kingston-upon-Hull are reminded of the importance of vigilance and support for those affected by such crimes, as the legal process seeks to hold offenders accountable and provide some measure of closure for the victims involved.