A 65-year-old man from Gosport has been jailed for fifteen years and handed an extended license period of a further five years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against a child that took place between 2021 and 2024 at an address in the town.

Stephen Street of Aspengrove was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court following a nine-day trial of the following offences against a girl who was aged under 10 at the time:

• Seven counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13.
• One count of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under the age of 13.
• One count of causing or inciting sexual activity with a girl under the age of 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 Portsmouth Crown Court on 19 January Street had also admitted:

• Six offences of making/possession of indecent images of children.
• One offence of possession of extreme pornographic images.

He was sentenced today (Wednesday 6 May) at the same court where he was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining order.

Investigating Officer, DC David Sloan from the specialist Eastern Area Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “The Judge in this case, HHJ Newton-Price KC, categorised Street as a “dangerous offender” who had “abused, damaged and corrupted” the victim and that he “exploited her” solely for his own pleasure. He went on to say that the sentence and extended license period reflected the very high risk of Street causing serious and enduring harm – physical and psychological – to other young girls.

“I want to commend the victim in this case for her courage shown throughout this process and telling us what happened during her three-year ordeal. Her bravery has brought Street to justice and resulted in a significant custodial sentence”.

We encourage anyone who has concerns about these types of offences to contact us on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

You can also find out more about how to report, and seek support for child abuse here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.