Having endured the repercussions of Newcastle Paedophile Steven Hinchan’s offences for the majority of her life, the courageous woman informed the authorities of the abuse, prompting an investigation by the Force’s Safeguarding Department in 2021.
Steven Hinchan, aged 56, visited a police station for an interview but refuted the claims against him.
Later that year, Steven Hinchan was charged with five counts of indecent assault, as the acts occurred prior to the enactment of the Sexual acts Act in 2003.
He persistently refuted the claims and proceeded to trial at Newcastle Crown Court. In November, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court adjudicated him guilty of all charges.
On January 17, Steven Hinchan of Grosvenor Court, Newcastle, received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence at the same court.
Steven Hinchan will be permanently listed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and is prohibited from any contact with the victim.
Speaking after the sentencing, the victim has shared these words: “The term ‘historical’ does not accurately describe the abuse I endured, and I do not identify with the label ‘survivor.’
“Both terms suggest that the abuse is confined to my past, but for me, the fear and anxiety remain an everyday reality.
“I feel perpetually trapped in states of fight, flight, and freeze, unable to fully escape the shadow of what happened.”
She added: “Since the day the abuse began, I have felt as though I’ve been infected with an incurable disease. I lived in shame and secrecy, unable to share the full extent of the abuse with anyone.
“His words — that no one would believe me — imprisoned me in a pit of silence for almost 30 years.”
She continued: “I have now had to accept that no amount of therapy, medication or time will erase what he did to me.
“What was taken from me has altered the course of my life irreversibly. No sentence can undo this damage, but I hope this process will provide some finality, allowing me to begin a new chapter.”
The officer leading the investigation for Northumbria Police, Detective Sergeant Barbara Callaghan, has praised the bravery of the victim for speaking out and hopes it gives others the courage to come forward.
She said: “I hope this case shows other people out there who may be hesitant to come forward that it’s never too late to seek justice.
“The victim battled with the consequences of Steven Hinchan’s horrific crimes for most of her life – but bravely disclosed what happened to police, allowing us to take action.
“Her voice has now been heard loud and clear – and because of her that a dangerous man is in prison.”
Det Sgt Callaghan added: “No one should have to go through anything like this, and I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual offending to reach out, whether it happened yesterday, or decades ago.
“There is no time limit on support – we’re here for you.”
To access support or more information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape, visit Northumbria Police’s website: Rape and sexual assault : Northumbria Police
To report any other type of recent or non-recent abuse, send the Force a direct message on social media, use the live chat function on the Force website or go to the report pages, also on the website.
For those unable to contact police via those ways, call 101.
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.