A Paedophile from Torquay, Stephen Sanders, has received a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of the rape and sexual exploitation of three children.
Stephen Sanders, 62, of Raleigh Avenue, Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 April, after being convicted by a jury of three counts of indecent assault, six counts of rape, and two counts of indecency with a child. The incidents occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, in Exeter and various other locales.
Stephen Sanders, also known by the aliases Stephen Wolfe, Collins, Rice, and Hubbard, is required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
During the trial, the court learnt that Stephen Sanders raped and assaulted the first victim multiple times, resulting in a profound impact on her.
He employed paganism as a pretext for her mistreatment, additionally referencing demons, spirits, and apparitions.
Stephen Sanders used the second victim, offered him chocolate, and instructed him to keep it a secret.
Stephen Sanders also perpetrated a sexual crime on a third victim while she was under the age of 10.
In sentencing Stephen Sanders, Judge David Evans remarked, “Monsters do not exist, yet you, in your cruelty and heartlessness, approach that threshold.”
Investigating Officer DC Mike Smith stated: “Stephen Sanders is a premeditated rapist and child sex offender who exploited three young victims over several years.”
“The immense courage exhibited by those who spoke about the events and provided testimony in court has resulted in Sanders finally being incarcerated.”
Stephen Sanders exploited his victims for his own perverse sexual enjoyment, exhibiting little regard for their desires or welfare.
Stephen Sanders has never exhibited any regret for the offences he has perpetrated. We anticipate that this statement will enable the victims to progress in their lives.
“We will persist in meticulously investigating all reported child sexual offences, irrespective of their occurrence date.”
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.