WILLIAM STEELE FROM CREWE AND STOKE-ON-TRENT JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent, William Steele, aged 46, has been sentenced to prison after a series of alarming incidents involving two young girls. The court heard that Steele had engaged in inappropriate and criminal behavior over a period of several months, targeting children in his vicinity and attempting to manipulate them into sexual acts.

According to the prosecution, Steele had been inviting children to his former residence in Stoke-on-Trent, where he would sometimes be found performing sexual acts in front of his television. The court was told that he would pay the children small sums of money or offer sweets to do chores around his house, creating an environment where the children felt they could come and go freely. One of the victims reportedly entered Steele’s living room and saw him masturbating while watching television, an incident that exemplifies the inappropriate nature of his conduct.

The case took a more disturbing turn on May 9, when the two young girls were at Steele’s address. During this visit, one of the girls overheard a conversation outside involving sexual topics. The court was informed that the girl then asked Steele how sperm was made. In response, Steele asked if they wanted him to show them, despite both girls declining. He then closed the curtains and offered the girls £10 to touch him, an act that caused the girls to become visibly concerned. Steele reassured them that he would not attack them but continued to offer money and sweets as they prepared to leave, urging them not to tell anyone about what had transpired.

The following day, the older girl confided in her friend’s brother about the incident. The boy then questioned his sister, who eventually told her parents. The parents promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to Steele’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Steele, who now resides on Taughton Avenue in Crewe, initially denied asking the girls to touch him but later admitted to the charges on the day of his trial.

During the hearing, defense counsel Mark Connor argued that Steele’s actions were not premeditated but rather a reaction to the girls’ questions. He emphasized that Steele’s behavior was not indicative of grooming, noting that children had been visiting his house since the summer of 2010 and that he had ample opportunity to abuse them if he had malicious intent. Connor described Steele’s habit of playing with himself in front of his television as inappropriate but clarified that there was no evidence of further abuse beyond this behavior.

Despite these arguments, Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Steele to 14 months in prison and ordered his immediate removal from any position involving contact with children. The judge also disqualified Steele from working with minors, citing the emotional harm his actions could cause to the victims. Addressing Steele directly, Judge Glenn expressed concern about the potential long-term impact on the young girls and acknowledged the risk Steele posed to the public. However, he clarified that Steele was not classified as a dangerous offender, as there was no physical contact with the victims, who refused to engage in sexual acts.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of child safety and the importance of vigilance within communities like Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent. The court’s decision aims to protect vulnerable children and serve as a stern warning to those who seek to exploit them.