Devon caretaker jailed for child sex assaults

A 46-year-old man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a child. John Stevenson, from Bideford, told the girl not to tell anyone he had touched her on multiple occasions.

The child, who was aged just six when the first offence happened, was naive to his behaviour until she had a sex education class at school when she was older. She told a teacher and police were called.

Stevenson denied the offences but was convicted by a jury after a trial at Exeter Crown Court. He was jailed for four years. The victim said in a statement that she had "never been more grateful about anything" than when she heard guilty verdicts returned.

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She said: "Although I may not have suffered any physical injuries the psychological damage is just as difficult." She says she suffers with severe anxiety and "constantly feeling on edge" when meeting people.

She says she changed from a carefree child to a nervous and worried person, frightened of encountering "weird" men in the street.

"I felt like justice has been done for my younger self. However, I am still nervous about going out in public."

The defendant was convicted of three charges of sexual assault on a child by touching. The offences involved him groping the child under and over her clothing.

Hollie Gilbery, defending, said Stevenson of Chingswell Street, has no previous relevant convictions. He has worked for many years as a nursing home caretaker and maintenance man.

A doctor had also confirmed he has suffered for many years with depression and has made attempts on his own life.