A 57-YEAR-OLD man in Cornwall has been jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of non-recent sexual offences against a child.

Stephen Davey, of Lower Woodside, St Austell, was convicted of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, three counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault of a child.

He was convicted following a trial which concluded on Wednesday, March 26, when he was released on court bail until his sentencing hearing.

At Truro Crown Court, on Thursday, April 3, he was sentenced to 17 years for unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, with one year on extended licence after he is released, and five years each for the charges of sexual assault and indecent assault, to be served concurrently.

Davey was told he would serve a minimum of two-thirds of the sentence before he could be considered for parole.

He was given an order not to contact the female victim and he will have to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant David Squire, who led the investigation, said: “The sentence passed down by the judge today is to be welcomed.

“We should praise the victim in this case for the bravery she has shown in reporting these non-recent assaults to us in 2022.

“She has remained steadfast during the investigation and throughout the court process that has brought justice today, while being supported by officers. We hope that this will bring some closure for her.

“As a force, we will stand with victims of such offences and hope that this gives others who may have suffered such abuse the courage to come forward.

“Devon and Cornwall Police is clear in its approach to reports of this nature – we will listen, and you will be heard.

“We will always actively investigate any such crime and seek to bring those responsible to justice for the victims, who we would urge to come forward and report offences to us. Time is no barrier to justice.”

A police spokesperson said: “If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence but to report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on our website. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

“There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.

“Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies: National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 and 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. Visit www.stopitnow.org.uk

“If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org.”