STEVEN JOYCE OF IVYBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AT NORTH DEVON SCHOOL

In September 2017, a disturbing case involving Steven Joyce, a resident of Ivybridge, Devon, came to light as senior judges reviewed his sentencing for a series of heinous crimes committed decades earlier. Joyce, aged 66 at the time, was found guilty of abusing vulnerable boys at a boarding school in North Devon during the 1980s, where he served as a house parent responsible for the welfare and pastoral care of the students.

Joyce's method of grooming his victims was calculated and manipulative. He would often lure the boys by offering them sweets and chocolate eggs, creating an illusion of kindness and trust. His aim was to position himself as a paternal figure, exploiting the boys' trust and vulnerability. His role at the school was to oversee the well-being of the pupils, but instead, he used this position to carry out a pattern of sexual abuse that would leave lifelong scars.

According to court testimonies, one victim recounted how Joyce had 'ruined his life,' highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the abuse. Another victim revealed that Joyce would frequently take him out of his dormitory at night, during which time the abuse would occur. These acts of betrayal and exploitation spanned several years, with Joyce moving from one victim to another, leaving a trail of psychological trauma.

Joyce's criminal investigations began as early as 1991 and again in 2011, but it was not until May of the previous year that he was finally apprehended and brought to justice. He admitted to multiple sex crimes, including 11 counts of indecent assault and two attempts at buggery. His initial sentence was set at seven years and two months, a punishment that many considered too lenient given the severity of his offenses.

The case was subsequently appealed, with the Solicitor General's office, represented by Robert Buckland QC, arguing that Joyce's sentence was insufficient. The appeal was heard by Lord Justice Davis, along with Mr Justice Stuart-Smith and Mr Justice Soole. During the hearing, Lord Justice Davis expressed strong disapproval of the original sentence, describing it as 'far, far too low.' He emphasized that the punishment did not reflect the gravity of Joyce's crimes and ordered that the sentence be doubled to 14 years and four months.

Joyce's legal representatives acknowledged that the original sentence was 'low,' but maintained it was 'not unduly lenient.' Nonetheless, Lord Justice Davis took into account Joyce's advanced age and poor health, but firmly stated, 'With all due respect to the judge, we have no doubt at all that this sentence was unduly lenient.' The decision underscores the judiciary's recognition of the seriousness of Joyce's misconduct and the need for appropriate punishment.

In a related case from May 2017, Joyce was convicted and sentenced for similar offenses. He had served as a house parent at a private boarding school in North Devon, where he exploited his position of trust over a period of nearly a decade. His victims, boys aged between ten and 15, were left with deep psychological scars. Joyce used various tactics to groom his victims, including giving gifts such as chocolates and cash, and pretending to offer comfort during times of distress.

The court heard that Joyce's abuse was systematic, involving touching and other sexual acts in his rooms, at his home nearby, in the bathroom, and during dormitory rounds or school trips. His actions were described as a calculated system of exploitation, which caused significant and lasting harm to the boys. Prosecutor Mr. Richard Crabb detailed how Joyce's grooming tactics aimed to gain the boys' trust before abusing them sexually.

Victims' statements conveyed the profound impact of Joyce's actions, with many describing years of psychological trauma and feelings of lost childhood innocence. The school, originally a private institution for children with behavioral issues, has since been reclassified as a special school operated by Devon County Council.

During sentencing, Recorder Mr. Martin Meeke, QC, emphasized the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the victims, stating, 'This was a boarding school for boys with a range of difficulties. You were in a position of trust which you abused and your victims were vulnerable.' He found no mitigating circumstances to lessen the severity of the sentence, which was set at seven years and two months. Joyce's defense argued that he deserved credit for accepting responsibility and that he would have no contact with children after his release, asserting that he posed no danger to the public.

Overall, these cases highlight the grave misconduct of Steven Joyce and the judicial system's response to such egregious violations of trust and innocence. The doubling of his sentence reflects a broader recognition of the need for justice and appropriate punishment for those who abuse their positions of authority to commit such heinous acts.