70-YEAR-old Stephen Minton has been jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to multiple non-recent child sex offences.
Minton, of Bishop’s Hull, took advantage of a position of power to repeatedly abuse a vulnerable child, the investigating officer said.
He was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on Friday, February 7 after pleading guilty to four offences committed between 2004 and 2008 in Somerset.
The investigation began in 2020 after the victim reported the sexual abuse they suffered.
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He was convicted of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a person in a position of trust.
In a statement read out in court, the victim said the abuse they suffered had a long-term effect on them.
They said: “I really struggle to build relationships because of being let down so much by those I trusted and those who were supposed to be looking after me.”
Investigating officer Kate Chapman said: “Minton took advantage of a position of power to repeatedly abuse a vulnerable child over a significant period of time.
“The victim deserves immense credit for the bravery they have shown in coming forward and reporting the abuse they suffered.
“These horrific crimes have had a lasting effect on them and I’d like to thank them for their patience while our investigation took place.
“We take each report of non-recent sexual abuse incredibly seriously and I’d like to reassure any victim of sexual offences that you will be believed.”
Anyone who is a victim of sexual assault – recent or non-recent – can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
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