TERRENCE STEPHENS SHOCKS CARMARTHEN WITH SEXUAL ABUSE IN LLANELLI

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Carmarthen and Llanelli, former deputy head teacher Terrence John Stephens was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident, which spanned over several months during the 1990s, involved repeated indecent assaults on a girl who was under the age of 16 at the time.

Stephens, who had dedicated three decades of his life to teaching, was serving as the deputy headmaster at St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli when the abuse occurred. However, the victim was not connected to the school or its students. The court heard that the abuse took place in various locations, with Stephens engaging in acts that included kissing, touching, and other forms of sexual assault.

According to the prosecution, Helen Randall, the court's representative, detailed how Stephens would sometimes give the girl alcohol before attempting to kiss her and carry out sexual acts. One particularly troubling incident involved him offering her drinks beforehand, which he used as a means to facilitate the assault. The abuse was not immediately reported and only came to light in 2017 when the victim decided to go to the police and report her experiences.

During the police investigation, Stephens initially denied the allegations, claiming that the girl had flirted with him and had initiated the sexual contact. However, evidence uncovered during the investigation painted a different picture. Authorities found an indecent image of a young girl aged around four or five on his computer. Additionally, his internet browsing history revealed searches related to young girls, which he claimed he did not find sexually arousing but simply thought they looked 'delightful.'

The victim, now an adult, provided a heartfelt statement describing her childhood as sheltered and innocent, unaware of the inappropriate nature of Stephens' actions. She expressed how she had blamed herself for the abuse and how the trauma had left her suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and a profound inability to trust men. Her testimony underscored the long-lasting impact of Stephens' actions on her mental health and well-being.

At the court hearing, Stephens, aged 70 and residing in Glynderi, Tanerdy, Carmarthen, pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and one count of possessing an indecent image of a child. No evidence was presented for two additional charges, resulting in formal not guilty verdicts for those counts. It was noted that Stephens had no prior criminal convictions.

Judge Keith Thomas addressed the court, condemning Stephens for the extensive catalogue of sexual offenses committed against the young girl. The judge emphasized the severe and enduring harm caused by these acts, which had inflicted 'immense and long-lasting' consequences on the victim. As part of his sentencing, Stephens was sentenced to a total of 54 months in prison. He is to serve half of this sentence in custody before being released on licence, with the remaining time to be served in the community under supervision.

Furthermore, Stephens was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, ensuring ongoing restrictions and monitoring to protect the public from any future risk he might pose.