'Calculating rapist' jailed for historic child sex abuse
Stephen Sanders from Torquay has been jailed after an investigation into historic child sex abuse
A man from Torquay has been jailed for nearly three decades - after an investigation into historic child sex abuse.
62-year-old Stephen Sanders from Raleigh Avenue was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court of 11 charges - including six counts of rape.
Sanders carried out the abuse in the '90s and '00s - on children as young as under ten years old.
The court heard he used paganism as an excuse to abuse his victims - also mentioning demons and spirits.
Sentencing Judge David Evans told Sanders 'monsters do not exist, but you as cruel and heartless as you are - come close'.
The man, who also goes by the aliases of Stephen Wolfe, Collins, Rice and Hubbard, has been jailed for 27 years for three indecent assaults, six rapes and two indecency with a child charges at trial.
He must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Police say during the trial the court heard how Sanders raped and abused the first victim on a number of occasions, his actions having a devastating effect on her.
We're told he used paganism as an excuse to abuse her and also mentioned demons, spirits and ghosts.
Sanders abused the second victim, gave him chocolate and told him it was their little secret.
Sanders also committed a sexual offence on a third victim when she was aged under 10.
A 'calculating rapist'
Sentencing Sanders, 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.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, Police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on their website.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.
Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:
• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
The Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and can help if you are worried about your own thoughts, feelings or behaviour, or have any concerns about another adult or young person.
If you have been affected by crime, please visit Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.