Glenn Langrish, also known as Glenn Stephens, a paedophile, inflicted years of sexual abuse on a young kid after employing him at his place of employment.
Glenn Langrish commenced his extended and systematic abuse of Stephen Lewsey following the latter’s employment at the lawn mower shop in Crawley.
In 1983, he formed a friendship with Mr. Stephen Lewsey, who was then ten years old, via a shortwave radio.
Ultimately, the duo coordinated a meeting, and the youth commenced regular weekend employment at ReeEven Hire under Glenn Langrish.
In the ensuing years, Glenn Langrish sexually attacked Mr. Lewsey each time he worked at the store and during the rides home.
James Oliveira-Agnew, prosecuting, informed Hove Crown Court that Glenn Langrish drove in proximity to Gatwick Airport on one occasion and verbally assaulted Mr. Lewsey. He also attacked him at his residence.
Mr. Oliveira-Agnew stated that Glenn Langrish “exploited his position of trust” and “ingratiated” himself with Mr. Lewsey’s family, indicating that the abuse entailed a “substantial” level of premeditation.
The court was informed that Glenn Langrish had prior convictions in the 1970s and 1980s for sexually assaulting young boys, including incidents during his tenure as a football coach.
“He had already assaulted numerous young boys by the time he offered the victim a job,” said Mr Oliveira-Agnew.
The abuse of Mr Lewsey stopped in 1989 when Glenn Langrish was jailed for unrelated child sex offences. On his release in 1994, he moved to Sweden and changed his name to Glenn Stephens.
Mr Stephen Lewsey, now 51, reported the abuse to Sussex Police in 2011 and an international search began for Glenn Langrish.
In 2016, Interpol discovered he was living in Vendelso, Sweden, with Swedish citizenship. He was interviewed by Swedish police, but as a Swedish citizen was protected from extradition back to the United Kingdom.
An international warrant was issued for his arrest should he leave Sweden and, in May 2023, Sussex Police were alerted by the National Crime Agency that Glenn Langrish was in Poland.
He was brought back from Poland by the Metropolitan Police’s extradition team on July 5, 2023, and taken into custody at Heathrow Airport the same day.
Glenn Langrish was subsequently charged with four counts of indecency with a child and four counts of indecent assault on a child.
He was found guilty on all counts at Chichester Crown Court.
Today he was sentenced to 15 years in prison with another three to be spent on licence.
He was told he must serve a minimum of nine years and eight months of his custodial sentence before he is eligible for parole.
In an impact statement, Mr Lewsey, who decided to waive his lifelong right to anonymity, said he could now start to rebuild his life.
“You have no idea the impact you have had on my entire life,” he said.
“Until I confided in my wife, I treated this as my “dirty little secret” something that I lived with for the last 40 years, but you have now been found guilty of the crimes that you know you committed.
“My family has suffered and have blamed themselves for your actions but there is only one person who should accept their responsibility and that is you – Glenn Langrish / Stephens or whatever you have changed your name to now to avoid any further people coming forward.
“I have no shame now, I realise it wasn’t me, it was you that was wrong and I hope more people come forward.”
Judge Gary Lucie paid tribute to Mr Lewsey’s bravery as he passed his sentence.
“No sentence I can pass can right the wrong that was done to you,” he said.
Speaking after the sentencing Detective Sergeant Becki Buckley said: “Glenn Langrish thought he could hide in Sweden and not have to face justice for his appalling crimes.
“He hugely underestimated the determination of Sussex Police, our partner forces and national agencies and, just as importantly, the resolve of his brave victim.
“I cannot commend Steve Lewsey enough for his courage in coming forward, supporting this investigation for such a long time and choosing to waive his anonymity to help other victims.
“This investigation should send a clear message to victims of sexual offences that we will stop at nothing to get you the justice you deserve.
“If you are a victim of sexual offences, no matter how long ago, please report it to us. You will be heard, you will be believed and we will do everything we can to help you. Report online, via 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.