John Patrick Steenson

John Patrick Steenson, a 60-year-old resident of York, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl, an offence that profoundly impacted her life. The case, heard at York Crown Court, involved acts of gross indecency with a child committed between late 2003 and early 2004. Prosecutor Jeremy Hill-Baker detailed how Steenson subjected the victim to forced sex acts at a property in York, describing the abuse as becoming 'routine' over a five-month period.

The victim's initial allegations in 2003 were not pursued due to her young age, deemed too immature to provide evidence. It was not until 2020, after 17 years, that she came forward again to police. Steenson denied the charges when questioned, pleading not guilty to two counts of gross indecency with a child, which necessitated a trial. A jury convicted him on both counts, with one charge relating to multiple occasions and the other to a single incident.

Steenson's history of sexual offences against children was well-documented prior to this conviction. In 2022, he was convicted for making and distributing indecent images of minors, receiving a suspended prison sentence, a rehabilitation programme, and a sexual-harm prevention order. Additionally, in 2006, he received a caution for making indecent images of children, highlighting a long-standing unhealthy interest in young children, as noted by Judge Simon Hickey during sentencing.

The impact on the victim has been devastating and lifelong. In her statement, she described how the abuse led to anger in her early childhood, escalating to anxiety and depression in her teens. As an adult, she has struggled with mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, difficulties in forming relationships, and disruptions to her schooling. Judge Hickey emphasised the 'severe' consequences, stating: 'She’s still suffering with mental-health issues…and she’s having to fight these issues for the rest of her life.' Defence barrister Nicholas Hammond highlighted Steenson's employment history and poor health, but the judge's assessment prevailed.

Sentencing occurred on 14 March 2024, with Steenson ordered to serve half his seven-year term in custody before release on licence. He must register on the sex offenders' register for life and is subject to an indefinite sexual-harm prevention order restricting his online activities and contact with children. The case was reported by YorkMix, drawing from court proceedings at York Crown Court.