A convicted sex offender who preyed on schoolgirls in Tameside has died while serving his sentence in prison, authorities have confirmed.
Steven Collins, who was jailed in 2022 for a string of disturbing sexual assaults, was described as a “dangerous predator” who deliberately targeted young girls in school uniform. He died recently while in custody, though the exact circumstances of his death have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Attacks on Teenage Girls
At the time of his conviction, Collins, then aged 23, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault. The court heard that he had attacked two teenage girls on buses and another outside a shop, all in the space of several weeks.
The assaults took place as the girls were making their way home from school. In one chilling incident, Collins threatened to kill one of the victims and followed two of them home, leaving them terrified and traumatised.
Seven-Year Sentence
Collins was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court in 2022 to seven years and six months in prison, with the judge branding him a “dangerous individual” and ordering him to serve an extended licence period upon release. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The judge at sentencing remarked:
“You deliberately targeted girls in uniform. Your actions were predatory, calculated, and designed to cause fear and harm.”
Death Confirmed in Custody
The Ministry of Justice confirmed Collins’ death, stating:
“A prisoner at [unnamed prison] has died. As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”
There is currently no indication of foul play, but standard protocol includes a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding any death in custody.
Impact on Victims and Community
The crimes committed by Collins had a lasting impact on his victims and the wider Tameside community. At the time, Greater Manchester Police launched a public appeal and increased patrols near local schools to reassure parents and children.
Collins’ death brings an abrupt end to his time behind bars, but for the victims and their families, the emotional scars from his actions remain.
Support Services:
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, support is available through organisations like NSPCC (0808 800 5000) or Rape Crisis (0808 802 9999).
