A SEX fiend has been jailed after abusing two young girls in Essex over a period of 16 years.
Stephen Harper, 60, of Hill Rise, Stowmarket, was convicted of multiple offences against the victims in the Stansted Mountfitchet area between 2008 and 2024.
The case came to light in June 2024 when one of the victims reported the abuse to Essex Police, prompting a detailed investigation by the force’s child abuse investigation team.
Officers worked closely with both victims and their families throughout the investigation.
Their efforts, together with the victims’ statements, enabled the Crown Prosecution Service to approve charges against Harper in September 2025.
Harper appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on January 13, 2026, where he pleaded guilty to nine offences, including five counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and four counts of sexual assault.
He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, will remain on the sex offender register for life, and has been issued with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
One victim described the long-term impact of Harper’s abuse, saying: “Since his arrest I have had nightmares about what he did to me.
"Because I couldn’t cope with what happened, I spiralled out of control… I closed myself off emotionally and felt lost. Despite this, I hope he receives the mental health support he clearly needs.”
Det Siobhan Murphy, of Essex Police, praised the victims for their courage.
She said: “The two victims in this case have carried themselves with incredible dignity throughout this process. Both did something incredibly difficult by speaking to us about what Harper had done.
"Thanks to their bravery and the work of the child abuse investigation team, a dangerous man is now behind bars.”
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by sexual abuse or violence is available through Synergy Essex.
The service offers counselling, emotional and practical help, and guidance from independent sexual violence advisers, whether the abuse was reported to the police or not.
Support is available for all ages, and anyone can contact Synergy Essex directly or be referred.
For more information, visit Synergy Essex.
