Man jailed for five years for child sex offences

A man who sexually assaulted a young girl on Portland has been jailed.

Stephen Lewis, aged 72 and of Weymouth, was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 18 April 2024 of sexual assault of a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday 3 May 2024 to five years in prison.

Police said they hope the case encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward to report matters.

The offences committed by Lewis occurred between January 2015 and January 2017.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said:  "An investigation into the actions of Lewis began in May 2021.

"Following a full account given by the victim, the defendant was arrested in July 2021."

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant George Boast, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “The victim showed incredible bravery in coming forward to the police, despite being threatened by the defendant not to disclose to anyone what happened.

“I am pleased that after our investigation, Lewis was held accountable for his actions.

“I hope this case encourages other victims to report matters to the police in the knowledge that they will be listened to and supported throughout an investigation.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0800 970 9954.