Locations
Ellis Gardens, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS8
Description
A man has been jailed for 33 years after carrying out horrific sexual and physical abuse.
68-year-old Stephen Poulton, of Ellis Gardens in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was convicted of 28 offences following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.
The horrendous sexual and physical violence was some of the most harrowing that officers from the Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Team had heard during their careers.
At Teesside Crown Court today, Friday 28th November, Stephen Poulton was sentenced to 33 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Joanne Lamb, from the Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults (CAVA) Team, said:
“Today’s sentencing marks an important step towards justice in this case. We want to first recognise the extraordinary courage shown by the victims. Coming forward to speak about deeply painful experiences is never easy and their strength has been essential in bringing the truth to light.
“We hope this outcome provides some measure of comfort for the victims, and we thank them for their bravery, resilience and trust throughout this process. Their actions have not only helped secure accountability for these horrendous offences, but may also protect others from harm.
“Whilst all forms of abuse are difficult to comprehend, this is a particularly harrowing case, and despite the officers working on it being experienced, they were visibly impacted by the details and levels of abuse perpetrated by Poulton.
“We also want to remind anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing abuse that support is available. You are not alone. We encourage you to speak out. No one should ever suffer in silence, and today’s sentencing demonstrates that when victims come forward, their voices are heard.”