When he was questioned, a child molester, Stephen William Wells Shortlanesend Paedophile, who had sexually touched a small child under his custody reported more crimes to the police, a court heard. Stephen William Wells informed the police who questioned him of five counts of sexual assault on a small child that, should they check his phone and personal computer, they would find hundreds of photographs of children being sexually assaulted.
Having pleaded guilty to all charges against him at Truro Magistrates’ Court last month, appearing before Truro Crown Court for sentencing today (Thursday, August 8), it was discovered that the 68-year-old from Northey Close in Shortlanesend had begun stroking the girl.
Jason Beal, a prosecutor, claimed Wells’ crimes were found out when his victim told Devon and Cornwall Police and the NSPCC children’s charity why her mother should start to show suspicion. Well’s victim’s mother said in a victim impact statement presented in court that the assault had left her daughter scared, furious and depressed and devastated her whole family.
Defending Stephen William Wells, Robin Smith said he had not changed from his appalling actions and had fully admitted to the police following almost three years of incarceration and indictment. He claimed, “In his interrogation with the police he revealed additional things to authorities and told them they would discover indecent photographs of minors on his computer devices. He accepts his fate right now.
Ms Smith also said: “He had been for some time with a degree of influence on his thoughts and was in the clutches of an alcohol problem. Being arrested by police in 2021 marked a turning point for him.”
His dignity Judge Simon Carr informed Stephen William Wells that he had broken the trust of this young person’s family in the worst possible manner and that the harm he perpetrated had been organised and protracted.
He further said: “This abuse carried on… for your sexual enjoyment, and when your gadgets were investigated, hundreds of photographs of the worst form of child abuse were found. Your deeds have had a significant impact on your victim and her family, who bravely showed up for court today. Your drinking issue does not in any sense justify or explain your actions.
Stephen William Wells will spend five years behind bars. He will also stay on the register for sex offenders for a lifetime.
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