Predatory paedophile jailed after Newcastle case from the 1980s revisited

A predatory paedophile who subjected his victim to nine years of abuse has been jailed.

Stephen Osceola Power began his campaign of abuse on his victim in 1987 when he would prey on the school girl and carry out his sordid sexual attacks.​ He continued a string of abuse on the victim until she was in her twenties but she was too afraid to report him to police.

It was in 2019 she would bravely come forward to report Power and an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department.

The 66 year-old was quickly arrested, where he denied the allegations put to him and the case was sent to trial.

Thankfully, with irrefutable evidence presented to the jury at Newcastle Crown Court, they found him guilty of multiple counts of rape on Monday, March 28 and the following day the judge handed him a 24 year prison sentence at the same court.

Power, 66, of Morton Street, Newcastle will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The lead detective on the case hopes this gives others who have suffered abuse the confidence to come forward and report it.

Detective Constable Victoria Gray said: “The victim has suffered the most horrific abuse as a child which continued into her early adulthood. She has suffered so much physical and emotional abuse that I hope the outcome of this case gives her the sense of closure she needs to move on with her life.

“She has been so incredibly brave throughout this case and I can’t commend her enough for speaking out against Power, who is an extremely controlling and dangerous individual.”

The victim provided a Victim Personal Statement to be read to the court during the trial, in which she stated: “I did not have a childhood because of him, he totally took that away from me, and put me through hell whilst he did so. In time I want to rebuild what I can of my life, knowing that I’m now safe.”

Detectives urge anyone who has concerns about any form of abuse - recent or non-recent - to speak out.

Detective Sergeant Damon Hall added: “Our priority is protecting those who are vulnerable and we all have a part to play in helping ensure the most vulnerable are supported.

“If you have been a victim of abuse, you know someone who has been abused or even if there is a situation that just doesn’t feel right - this could be a sign of abuse - please just contact police - it is never too late to report abuse.”

Anyone who has been victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the “Tell Us Something” page of the Northumbria Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency.