WILLIAM STEVENSON FROM DETLING SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGERS AFTER FLEEING TO CROATIA

In a significant case that highlights the relentless pursuit of justice, William Stevenson, a 71-year-old man from Detling, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young boys. The case drew widespread attention after Stevenson, who was previously charged with multiple counts of gross indecency with children, failed to appear in court and subsequently fled the country.

Stevenson, who resided at Barngarth Farm in Detling, was forcibly returned from Croatia on Friday, January 16, to face justice in the United Kingdom. His appearance in Maidstone Crown Court marked a crucial step in the legal proceedings against him. The court heard that Stevenson was responsible for abusing four teenage boys, with charges including 23 counts of gross indecency with children. These offenses reportedly took place on his farmland, where he befriended young boys, allowing them to ride his motorbikes and quad bikes, creating an environment that facilitated his criminal activities.

During the trial, it was revealed that Stevenson had engaged in disturbing conduct, including supplying alcohol and cannabis to the boys and encouraging them to perform acts of indecency on him and each other. The severity of his actions was underscored by the court, which sentenced him to five years in prison. Additionally, Stevenson was handed a six-month sentence to run concurrently for breaching his bail conditions, which he had violated by failing to appear at court on June 23, 2004. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Judge Lawson, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the crimes committed by Stevenson. The court's decision reflects a firm stance against sexual offenses involving minors and aims to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The judge also imposed severe restrictions on Stevenson’s future, including lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Det Sgt Richard Dicker of Kent Police’s Public Protection Unit in Maidstone expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “William Stevenson is guilty of numerous sexual offences against young boys, and their lives will always be affected by his appalling actions. I would like to thank the victims for their courage in helping to testify against this man, despite his absence during the trial.”

He further added, “The officers involved in this lengthy investigation hope that the boys and their families can find some measure of comfort now that Stevenson has been jailed and is subject to strict restrictions for the rest of his life. I also want to acknowledge the cooperation of the Croatian authorities, the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, Interpol, and the Crown Prosecution Service, all of whom played vital roles in the extradition process.”

Concluding his remarks, Det Sgt Dicker reaffirmed the police’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of such crimes, stating, “This case sends a clear message to anyone who commits similar offenses: there is nowhere to hide. We will find you and ensure you are brought to justice.”