Ex-Teaching Assistant Locked Up for Sickening Child Sex Crimes
Stephen Payne, 69, a former teaching assistant with no fixed address, has been jailed for six and a half years at Lewes Crown Court. He was found guilty of 13 counts of historic sexual offences against young girls.
Disturbing Abuse in Brighton Home
The shocking offences date back to between 2001 and 2018 at Payne’s previous Brighton residence. Police launched an investigation in 2020 after four separate reports of sexual assaults on girls aged 8 to 12 emerged.
While working at Dharma Primary School in Brighton from 1994 until his arrest in March 2020, Payne abused his position. He sexually assaulted three victims under the guise of measuring their height. A fourth victim was assaulted during a twisted game of ‘Twister’ at his home. The school shut down in 2020 following the scandal.
Justice Served: Convicted on All Charges
After a thorough investigation, Payne was convicted of nine counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, and one count of assault by touching a girl under 13. He pleaded guilty to all charges on January 26.
In addition to his lengthy prison sentence, Payne was slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order, and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
Police Urge More Victims to Come Forward
“Stephen Payne abused the trust of his young victims most appallingly,” said PC Donna Bagguley of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigation Unit.
“Each of them has shown extraordinary courage to report his crimes and give evidence against him. We believed them, a jury believed them and now Payne will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
“We believe Payne may have more victims. If you or anyone you know is a victim of a sexual offence – no matter how long ago – please report to the police. We will believe you, support you, and do everything we can to get you justice.”
For more updates, visit www.Sussex.News
