In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Steven Alan Lord, then 52, of Grayson Way, Oldham, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to two decades in prison. On Thursday, 11 April 2019, Lord appeared at Burnley Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to historical rape and sexual assault offences against three young girls in Bacup, Lancashire.
The investigation established that the abuse occurred between 1995 and 2013 and involved three victims under the age of 16. Lancashire Constabulary launched an inquiry years after the events took place when two victims came forward, prompting the third to report her ordeal. The court heard that Lord raped one victim in the back of his van and engaged in multiple counts of sexual activity with the others.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Lord showed no remorse and attempted to justify his actions in pre-sentence reports. During the March 2019 trial, Judge Andrew Jeffries allowed the defendant to change his plea to guilty after hearing evidence from the first victim. The judge noted that although Lord had no previous convictions, he was a “dangerous” offender who posed a significant risk of further offending.
The judge noted that all three girls had suffered terribly and continued to suffer into their adult lives. For his actions in Bacup, Lancashire, the court determined that Lord needed to be monitored for as long as possible upon his eventual release. The prosecution noted that the defendant’s decision not to have the remaining victims cross-examined did not mitigate his lack of genuine contrition.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Steven Alan Lord was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 20 years in prison.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- SHPO: A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Burnley Crown Court following a change of plea.
- Convictions: Multiple counts of rape and sexual activity with a child.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Lord is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police, and the prison estate. Due to the predatory behaviour in Bacup, Lancashire, and his residence in Oldham, Greater Manchester, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Lord must comply with notification requirements for the rest of his life. Authorities in Lancashire and Greater Manchester state that the SHPO provides a framework to watch him for the maximum duration permitted by law. Any breach of his registration conditions or future licence terms will result in immediate arrest and a return to court.
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