Steffan Cox

Steffan Cox, a 25-year-old man from Scotland, has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for a series of predatory sexual offences committed against multiple young women. Described by the court as exhibiting 'an obsessive and highly dangerous interest in rape', Cox repeatedly targeted victims he encountered on social media platforms and dating apps. His appalling behaviour spanned from 2016 to 2022, culminating in convictions for 21 sexual offences, including stalking, sexual assault, rape, and indecent communications.

The offences involved a pattern of escalating and compulsive predatory actions. Cox made anonymous and indecent phone calls to his victims, often issuing terrifying threats. One particularly disturbing incident involved a call to a 15-year-old girl, while in another, he threatened to rape a woman in a manner that her son could hear her screams. Judge Lord Young, presiding at the High Court in Glasgow, highlighted the terror these acts inflicted, stating: 'It is not difficult to imagine just how terrifying the calls must have been to these women.'

Cox's criminal history includes a previous conviction in 2017 for making sexually violent calls to two teenagers, which did not deter his behaviour but rather saw it intensify. Despite pleading guilty to some indecent communication offences in February prior to the trial, he continued to deny responsibility for the most serious charges, such as rape. The judge noted this denial but opted against an order for lifelong restriction, citing Cox's relative youth and single prior analogous conviction, offering him a chance for rehabilitation. However, Lord Young emphasised the severity: 'Your previous conviction... has not caused you to change your behaviour. Indeed, quite the reverse. You clearly have an obsessive and highly dangerous interest in rape.'

In addition to the custodial sentence of 12 years and nine months, Cox will be subject to four years of supervision upon release and has been placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. Detective Sergeant Julie Nedley of the National Rape Taskforce commended the victims' courage, saying: 'The victims have shown great courage in coming forward with vital information, making sure he was held accountable for his actions, and ultimately convicted.' She added that the sentence sends a clear message that all reports of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland, with support provided to victims throughout the process.

This case, reported by Sky News on 13 December 2023, underscores the dangers posed by online interactions and the commitment of Scottish authorities to addressing sexual exploitation. Police Scotland played a key role in the investigation, gathering evidence over several years to secure the convictions.