A ‘dangerous’ Kingsway Paedophile, Steven Harrison, from Coventry who sexually assaulted a young boy has been incarcerated. Steven Harrison was convicted of grooming the victim over a two-year duration.
Steven Harrison, who was formerly Steven Gerrard, abused his victim in Leamington Spa in the 2010s when he was aged between 11 and 13. Jurors heard ‘distressing’ details of how the 50-year-old groomed the victim and threatened to harm him ‘if he told anyone.’
His offending had a ‘terrible’ impact on the victim and his family, Warwickshire Police said. DC Aiden Griffiths commended the young boy and said the bravery he showed was ‘unwavering.’
Steven Harrison, of Kingsway, Coventry, was sentenced following a trial at Coventry Crown Court in September. He was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and had also breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
He was jailed for 18 years on Tuesday (November 12). After being released from prison, Harrison will serve five years on licence with strict conditions to prevent him from reoffending.
Detective Constable Aiden Griffiths, from Warwickshire Police, said: “I would like to recognise the bravery shown by the victim. For someone who is still young and coming to terms with what happened to him, his courage has been unwavering.
“It should give other victims the confidence to come forward in the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. Harrison is a dangerous man, and I am grateful he is now behind bars.”
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police added: “Children can be among the most vulnerable people in society, and we are committed to protecting them. If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter when it occurred, there are specially trained officers who will listen, investigate, and make sure you receive support.”
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.