Stephen Glover

A former police constable, Stephen Glover, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his conviction on 13 counts of sexual offences committed against four young girls. The offences, which included attempted rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child, took place during Glover's time as a serving officer with Gwent Police in the 1970s. The case came to light years later, leading to a trial at Cardiff Crown Court where a jury found him guilty after he had denied all charges.

Glover, aged 51 and from Barry in South East Wales, had a background in the army before joining the police force. He was discharged from military service following a mental breakdown, as revealed during the court proceedings. Despite his denials, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that Glover had groomed and dominated his young victims, forcing them into sexual activity for his own gratification. One victim was specifically groomed before an attempted rape, highlighting the manipulative nature of his actions.

• The offences spanned multiple incidents involving four girls, whose childhoods were described by the judge as 'destroyed'.
• Glover characterised his victims as 'liars and fortune seekers' during the trial.
• Mark Evans QC, defending, noted Glover's 'mentally troubled life', including his army discharge and subsequent police career.

Judge Philip Richards addressed Glover directly in court, stating: 'You substantially damaged each of them and their childhoods were destroyed. You dominated each of these young girls, forcing them into sexual activity for your sexual gratification against their wishes.' The severity of the crimes was underscored by the imposition of lifelong registration on the sex offenders' register. This sentencing reflects the profound impact on the victims and the betrayal of trust by a former law enforcement officer.

Gwent Police issued a statement post-verdict, emphasising the significance of the sentence: 'This significant sentence is a reflection of the seriousness of the crime and we hope it will go some way in assisting the victims to move forward with their lives.' The case, reported by BBC News on 23 March 2007, serves as a stark reminder of historical abuses within institutions and the importance of pursuing justice for survivors of sexual offences.