A MAN has been jailed after being found guilty of child sex offences.

Stephen David Camp was convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and assault of a child under 13 by penetration.

The verdict from the jury, which related to offences in 2013 and 2014, came after a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

On Friday, April 9, at the same court, Judge Robert Pawson jailed Camp, 66 and of Whatleigh Close, Poole, for eight years, with a further one year on licence.

The defendant was placed on the sex offenders register for life and issued with a restraining order, which was made until further order.

Judge Pawson said the sentence was underwritten by the need for the public to be protected.

Detective Constable Leigh Topol, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), said: “I am pleased that Stephen Camp has been given a custodial sentence for the offences he subjected his victim to.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim for the bravery and courage she showed in coming forward and reporting the matter to Dorset Police.

“I hope that the outcome of this case will give other victims of sexual abuse the confidence to report offences, no matter when they were committed.

“We are absolutely committed to investigating such offending against children and I would urge anyone who believes their child may have been a victim of such offences to come forward to Dorset Police.”

Dorset Police did not hold a custody image for Camp.

The force said non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, go to dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function. All the details of concerns can be shared with police via the online enquiry form. Residents can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, dial 999.

For more information about child safety:

  • NSPCC 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk, www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation
  • CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: www.thinkuknow.co.uk