A 60-year-old Rapist from Tewkesbury, Vernon Steele, has received an eight-year prison sentence for the repeated rape of a woman.
Vernon Steele, a resident of the Northway neighbourhood, had previously refuted four allegations of rape; nevertheless, after a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, a jury unanimously convicted him on all charges.
The jury reached its convictions in barely 34 minutes on Monday, June 16.
In June 2023, the court was informed that Vernon Steele had formed a friendship with a woman possessing considerable learning disabilities.
Vernon Steele started regular visits to the woman and informed her neighbours that he was assisting her with domestic tasks and providing companionship.
The subsequent month, Vernon Steele displayed a video of himself engaging in masturbation and pornography on his phone. The woman expressed her discontent and instructed Vernon Steele to cease.
Several days later, Vernon Steele sexually assaulted the woman in her bedroom.
Vernon Steele subsequently assaulted the woman at her residence on three further instances during the following ten days.
The authorities were informed of his misdeeds after a neighbour discovered the woman in a state of despair, weeping in her flat. She revealed that Vernon Steele had assaulted her on four occasions, and that she had refused each time.
Officers arrived and conversed with the woman, leading to Vernon Steele’s arrest on suspicion of rape.
During the police interview, Vernon Steele refuted any involvement in sexual activity with the woman and was subsequently freed on bail to facilitate further investigations.
In December 2023, detectives re-interviewed Vernon Steele subsequent to an inquiry conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department of Gloucestershire Constabulary. Forensic evidence was shown to him, corroborating the woman’s allegation of rape.
Subsequent to this revelation, Vernon Steele altered his narrative and asserted that he engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with the woman on one occasion.
Subsequent to a police inquiry, the Crown Prosecution Service sanctioned charges for four counts of rape. Subsequent to his court appearance, he was released on bond.
Vernon Steele did not attend Gloucester Crown Court on 22 November 2024, prompting a judge to issue an arrest warrant.
Gloucestershire Police subsequently issued a wanted appeal via its social media platforms, leading to his discovery in the Newent vicinity after public sightings.
Vernon Steele was re-arrested on December 20, 2024, and detained in custody until trial.
In addition to receiving an eight-year prison sentence, Vernon Steele will be permanently registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
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