Multiple child sex offender jailed for 22 years

A Wiltshire man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences.

The verdict came almost 40 years after the offences were perpetrated.

At the sentencing of Stefon Winter, 73, at Swindon Crown Court, Judge James

Townsend considered multiple convictions against Winter, formerly of Goatacre near Calne.

Winter had been found guilty of two counts of indecent assault by penetration, carried out against a five-year-old girl during the 1980s, at a trial in Swindon Crown Court in March 2024.

And in a separate trial in July this year, he was found guilty of two counts of buggery and three indecent assaults on a 13-year-old boy, almost four decades after the crimes were committed.

The offences took place between 1987 and 1989, with Winter being convicted under the legislation covering this time period. 

Detective Constable Chris McLoughlin said: “This serves as an important reminder that justice can still be served years after any abuse. 

“As his Honour Judge Townsend highlighted, Winter has shown no remorse. He has been free for most of the intervening years to lead his own life.

“The survivors have been quite clear throughout, that they have stood up in court, for other victims. Our specialist officers will listen and support you through the process, no matter how long ago the crime may have taken place. I hope this outcome demonstrates that it is never too late to speak out, and that significant justice can still be meted out.

“Most importantly, I would like to commend the survivors in their fortitude throughout the investigation. 

“They should be immensely proud of their fortitude and conduct. I hope the result provides some closure, from which they can move forward with their lives and families.”

The police say anybody who has witnessed or been the victim of child abuse, can find out how to report and where to get support here.

There is also advice here for people who fear they are potential offenders.