Non-recent child sex offences.

Stephen Martin Tracey Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse

Stephen Martin Tracey, 65, of Skiddaw, Rugby in Warwickshire, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, May 17th, for three counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. The offenses occurred between January 1987 and February 1994.

Tracey was found guilty on Thursday, March 28th, following a four-day trial at the same court. He came to police attention in 2022 when the victim, who was aged between 9 and 15 at the time of the offenses, came forward to report the sexual abuse. The abuse took place at various addresses in Waterlooville.

During the sentencing hearing, the judge declared that the offenses fell into the highest category of seriousness for sexual offenses. He also classified Tracey as an offender of particular concern due to the nature of the crimes, stating that Tracey caused severe psychological harm to the victim.

Detective Sergeant Samantha Brown from the Operation Amberstone team, who led the investigation, said: "I cannot commend the victim in this case enough for the incredible bravery she has shown, not only in coming forward, but throughout this investigation and the resulting trial. While no sentence will ever truly be able to give this woman her life back or the justice she deserves, we hope that today's results, and knowing that Tracey will finally be behind bars, bring some degree of resolution to a horrific ordeal that started over 30 years ago."

She continued: "We also hope that today's result reflects the seriousness with which we treat all reports of this kind and gives other victims of child sexual abuse the courage to come forward. We do however recognize that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse."