Pickering man jailed for 12 and a half years for sexually abusing teenage girl

Carl Andrew Stevenson, of Vivis Lane, Pickering, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with the girl on numerous occasions more than a decade ago.

Stevenson drove the victim to remote locations and engaged in sexual activity in his car. He convinced her that if she were to tell anyone she would be put in care by the authorities, holding her in constant fear.

The victim reported the offences to the police in 2022, however, when Stevenson was interviewed in June that year, he denied any wrongdoing and showed no contrition or remorse.

He was charged, and a jury at York Crown Court found him guilty. On Thursday, July 23, he was sentenced to twelve and a half years in jail.

In a personal statement, read to the court, the victim addressed Stevenson directly. She said: “I was a happy person. I remember that. But then the incident happened and I locked myself away, became anxious, a shell of a person. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I still struggle with trust issues, I am hyper-paranoid and anxious. Because of you.

“I struggle to do everyday things like taking a bus due to fear of not knowing who will be there. I struggle today with chronic illness because of my mental health.”

But she added: “I have attended therapy which has thankfully changed my entire life. It made me realise none of this was my fault.

“I’ve started to find the person I was always meant to be, the person you took away from me – and underneath all of the pain and trauma, I’m starting to like that person.

“Where once there was darkness, I see light and hope.”

Doug Stanway, North Yorkshire Police investigator, said: "The impact of Stevenson's offending cannot be overstated. He took away a girl’s innocence, destroyed her confidence and set her life on a different path.

"However, she has shown extraordinary courage to confront her abuser, and attend court to ensure justice was done.

"I hope she can now move forward with her life, knowing that Stevenson has been held responsible for his crimes."