hampshireeditor 
A 65-year-old man from Gosport has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a child.
Stephen Street, of Aspengrove, was convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court following a nine-day trial. The offences took place between 2021 and 2024 at an address in the town and involved a girl aged under 10 at the time.
He was found guilty of:
Seven counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13
One count of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13
One count of causing or inciting sexual activity with a girl under 13
One count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
One count of engaging in sexual communication with a child
At an earlier hearing on 19 January, Street also admitted:
Six offences of making or possessing indecent images of children
One offence of possession of extreme pornographic images
He was sentenced on Wednesday, 6 May, at Portsmouth Crown Court, where he was also handed an extended licence period of five years. In addition, he was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.
Investigating officer DC David Sloan, from the Eastern Area Child Abuse Investigation Team, said the judge, HHJ Newton-Price KC, described Street as a “dangerous offender” who had “abused, damaged and corrupted” the victim, exploiting her solely for his own gratification.
The judge said the sentence and extended licence period reflected the very high risk Street poses of causing serious and lasting physical and psychological harm to other young girls.
DC Sloan added: “I want to commend the victim in this case for the courage she has shown throughout this process and in telling us what happened during her three-year ordeal. Her bravery has brought Street to justice and resulted in a significant custodial sentence.”
Police are urging anyone with concerns about similar offences to contact them on 101.
Support is also available for victims of sexual abuse through specialist services. Childline can be contacted on 0800 11 11, and adults affected can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
