Shropshire man convicted of child sex offences
A 51-year-old Shropshire man was today convicted of sex offences against two young girls one of whom was raped on three occasions.
Charles Robert Stealey was found guilty on 12 counts at Shrewsbury Crown Court following a 13-day trial. He was found not guilty on six other sexual offence charges against a woman and the jury was unable to reach a decision on a further two counts.
The convictions relate to offences involving two girls aged 11 to 17 during a 10-year period from 2000 to 2010. Stealey was found guilty of three counts of rape and three counts of sexual activity against one girl and three counts of indecent assault and three of sexual activity against the other.
Detective Sergeant Darren Capener, one of the investigating officers, welcomed the conviction saying Stealey now faced a long term of imprisonment. The case was adjourned for sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court next month.
DS Capener, who serves with the West Mercia Police child protection unit in Shrewsbury, said: “Stealey is a sexual predator who subjected his victims to years of systematic abuse causing them untold misery and torment.
“I have nothing but praise for their bravery in coming forward to report their ordeals. It took real courage to do so and I hope the outcome of the court case will bring some kind of closure to enable them to move on.”
He said it had been a long and complex police investigation which began in September 2011 when one of the victims reported the matter.
“Stealey was arrested and a picture emerged of a violent, manipulative man who targeted these children, exercising considerable control over them. He threatened and bullied, leaving them terrified and at his mercy during a sustained catalogue of sexual abuse throughout a 10-year period”.
DS Capener hoped the case would help demonstrate that victims could contact the police in confidence.
“No-one should have to suffer this kind of abuse. Don’t suffer in silence. We urge victims to call us on the 101 number and they will be treated sensitively by experienced officers who specialise in these types of case.
“The recent publicity surrounding high-profile sex offence cases at national level has helped demonstrate that victims will be listened to and action taken to help them and bring offenders to justice. Do contact us if you have been subject to such abuse. You can be confident of being helped and supported by officers well used to investigating such distressing matters.”
