Child rapist from Devon jailed for 27 years

"He never showed any remorse"

A Devon man who raped and sexual abused three children has been jailed for 27 years. 

62-year-old Stephen Sanders of Raleigh Avenue in Torquay was found guilty by a jury of three indecent assaults, six rapes and two charges of indecency with a child in the 1990s and 2000s. 

Exeter Crown Court heard how Mr Sanders raped and abused one victim on a number of occasions; those actions left a devastating effect on her. 

He also gave chocolate and told another victim how it was 'their little secret'. Stephen Sanders also commited a sexual offence on a girl under the age of 10. 

The convicted paedophile must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Judge David Evans said: “Monsters do not exist but you, as cruel and heartless as you are, come close.”  

Officer in the case DC Mike Smith said: “Stephen Sanders is a calculating rapist and child sex offender who targeted three young victims over a number of years. It is thanks to their immense courage in speaking about what happened and giving evidence in court that Sanders is finally behind bars.

“He manipulated his victims for his own twisted sexual gratification and showed no consideration for their wants and wellbeing. He has never showed any remorse for the offences he has committed. We hope this sentence will allow the victims to move forward with their lives.

“We will continue to thoroughly investigate all child sex offences reported to us, regardless of when they took place.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. 

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.