BRUTAL BRIDLINGTON PAEDOPHILE STEVEN RYAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR VILE CRIMES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRLS

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Bridlington, Steven Ryan, aged 33, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years for heinous crimes committed against two young girls. The sentencing took place at Hull Crown Court on February 11, where Ryan appeared in the courtroom, visibly distressed, rocking on his heels and closing his eyes as the verdict was delivered. His relatives, present in the court, were overwhelmed with emotion and wept as the judge announced the sentence.

Ryan, who resides on Travis Street in Bridlington, was found guilty of a series of disturbing sexual offenses. The court heard that he had preyed on two separate schoolgirls, abusing them in different instances over a span of years. Remarkably, Ryan had previously escaped prosecution for similar offenses, but he reoffended after a gap of 16 years, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Judge Michael Mettyear, presiding over the case, expressed his condemnation of Ryan’s actions. He stated, “I am quite satisfied you are a determined and predatory paedophile. Surprisingly, it is usually possible for me to find some redeeming feature in a defendant, and I try some horrific cases. I can find none in you.” The judge detailed the severity of Ryan’s crimes, emphasizing that he had sexually abused his first victim, and if she had not come forward, he might have continued his abuse. The second victim, also a young girl of similar age, was subjected to rape and repeated sexual assaults in various forms.

Judge Mettyear further expressed concern over Ryan’s intentions, suggesting that he had plans to involve other paedophiles, which could have led to even more tragic consequences. “It is clear to me, you intended to go even further and invite other paedophiles to join you. Goodness knows what would have happened to her if that occurred,” he remarked.

During the trial, Ryan, who admitted to using cannabis, attempted to evade responsibility by telling numerous lies over the course of six days. He entered the court each morning with his face concealed behind a scarf, a tactic that did little to hide his guilt. The jury took less than an hour to convict him on multiple charges, including three counts of rape, thirteen sexual offenses involving a child, and one charge of indecent assault on a five-year-old girl.

The police initially arrested Ryan following the first report of indecent assault on the young girl, who was just five years old at the time. However, prosecutors decided to hold off on pressing charges until a second girl came forward, revealing more serious abuse, including three instances of rape. The second girl, who was abused from the age of four, was subjected to disturbing acts, including being introduced to pornography via Ryan’s laptop. She was threatened with violence if she did not comply with his demands, and Ryan forced her to dress in underwear and high boots for his sexual gratification.

The young girl recounted her trauma, saying, “I sat on the doorstep after what he had done just stroking the dog and crying. At the time when I thought of him I felt sick. Sometimes I just hate him.”

Prosecutor Jo Kidd highlighted the profound impact Ryan’s actions had on his victims. She explained that the first girl now struggles with forming relationships, while the second girl suffers from nightmares and has difficulty sleeping, often sleeping with her door open. Her behavior has deteriorated since the disclosures, and she has yet to undergo counseling, having endured a traumatic ordeal.

Judge Mettyear addressed Ryan directly, acknowledging the horrific details contained in the victims’ impact statements. He expressed his hope that the girls could find some solace in the verdicts and emphasized the danger Ryan posed. “I am quite satisfied you are a dangerous man. I have no doubt there is a high risk of you committing similar offences in the future, if you get the chance,” he said. The judge also noted with concern that Ryan had been in the company of a convicted paedophile even before his trial.

As part of his sentence, Ryan was ordered to sign the National Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was subjected to a Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order. Due to the dangerous nature of his crimes, the court imposed a 10-year extended license period, meaning that if he commits another offense after his early release, he will be required to serve the full 18-year sentence. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Ryan’s crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to society.