Man jailed after being found guilty of multiple child sexual offences

A man has been jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of multiple child sexual offences.

Stephen Prestidge, 58, of Burton-on-Trent, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment last Friday (13 December) after being found guilty at the same court on Tuesday 10 December. 

He was found guilty of four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, three counts of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and three counts of sexual assault on a female. 

Prestidge has also been put on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The offences took place in Staffordshire. 

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Kirkland, of our public protection department, said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the sheer courage of the victim and survivor in this case; not only for having the bravery to come forward initially but also for enduring the criminal justice system and the weight of a trial.

“Tackling child sexual abuse is a top priority for Staffordshire Police and our partners. This is an abhorrent crime which has a lifelong impact on victims and survivors. I hope highlighting the prosecution of these offenders will serve as a reminder that we will continue to do all we can to put perpetrators behind bars and protect victims and survivors.    

“It’s never too late to report child sexual abuse. I encourage anyone who was abused as a child to speak to someone and seek support. Reports are handled by officers who are specially trained in supporting victims and survivors and dealing with such sensitive cases.”