VICTOR STEYNOR FROM LEDBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that remained hidden for over two decades, Victor Steynor, aged 64 and residing in Ledbury, was finally brought to justice for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident, which took place in 1983, involved Steynor, who was then a man in his early 40s, engaging in inappropriate conduct with a 10-year-old Brownie during a weekend adventure trip.

According to court proceedings, the abuse occurred when the Brownie pack visited a property in Bromsberrow Heath, known as Dyke House, which Steynor had rented out for outdoor activities and holiday events. It was during this visit that Steynor allegedly put his hand inside the girl’s top, an act of sexual touching that left a lasting impact on her. The girl, now a 34-year-old woman, eventually reported the incident, but her concerns were initially handled internally by her parents and the church community, rather than involving law enforcement.

It was only by chance that the truth surfaced many years later. A former deacon of Ledbury Baptist Church happened to speak with a teacher connected to the girl’s family, which led to the revelation of the events from 1983. This chance encounter prompted a police investigation, culminating in Steynor’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the trial at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Sharon Jomaa detailed the circumstances of the abuse. She explained that the girl had asked to borrow some equipment during the weekend trip, providing Steynor with an opportunity to isolate her. The prosecutor emphasized that the incident was reported to the girl’s mother, but the matter was dealt with internally, with a church elder convened to address the issue. Unfortunately, the case was effectively hushed up, and the girl was made to feel as though she was overreacting or making a mountain out of a molehill.

In sentencing, Deputy District Judge Neil Pattinson acknowledged the severity of the crime. He described the act as sexual assault involving touching of a minor. The judge noted that if there had been previous convictions or if the assault had been prolonged, the case would have been sent to the Crown Court for a more severe sentence. Instead, Steynor was sentenced to three years of rehabilitation supervised by the probation service. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for five years and ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to £455.

This case highlights the tragic consequences of delayed justice and the importance of addressing abuse allegations promptly, regardless of how much time has passed.