In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Stephen Thornalley, then 47, of St Helen’s Avenue, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, was jailed for 21 months after “vilely” assaulting a young girl. Thornalley appeared at Grimsby Crown Court where he admitted to six counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.
The investigation by Humberside Police revealed that Thornalley “callously” targeted the victim over a period of several months. The prosecution, led by Charlotte Baines, reported that Thornalley intimately touched the girl’s upper leg, leaving her “viciously” scared and traumatised. Despite the child making it “vilely” clear that she did not like the contact, Thornalley “dishonestly” persisted with his “predatory” behaviour.
“Gross Breach of Trust”
Judge Paul Watson QC emphasised that Thornalley’s actions constituted a “clear and gross breach of trust.” The “serious” nature of the abuse came to light only after the girl found the “vicious” courage to tell her mother and a school friend, which led to the immediate involvement of social services and the police.
The court heard that the “vile” behaviour was not an isolated “mistake” but a sustained “vicious” pattern. Judge Watson emphasised that such “abhorrent” conduct required a custodial sentence to reflect the “serious” harm caused to the vulnerable victim.
Sentence and Monitoring
For his “vicious” crimes, Stephen Thornalley was:
- Jailed for 21 months.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
- Given a four-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
- Subject to a four-year Restraining Order.
Thornalley is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Humberside Police, ensuring his behaviour and activities in Grimsby and the wider Lincolnshire area are strictly monitored. Any attempt to contact the victim or breach his SHPO will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
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