Paedophile nomad jailed for ‘ripping woman’s childhood apart’


Paedophile nomad jailed for ‘ripping woman’s childhood apart’
A paedophile who “ripped a woman’s childhood apart because of his selfish desire for sexual gratification” has been sent to prison.
Gary McStein, 58, abused the girl aged under 13 more than 20 years ago by touching her genitals, often pleasuring himself at the same time.
McStein was said to have lived a nomadic existence travelling in horse-drawn wagons along with his family, spending time at various locations across the UK as well as in France and Spain.
McStein, most recently of Wendron near Helston, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence having pleaded guilty to 11 indecent assaults.
Prosecuting the case, Jason Beal said that McStein was under the influence of cannabis at the time of the abuse.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim, now an adult, describes no longer trusting men and having five failed relationships due to the abuse.
Mr Beal said: “She believes she is a single parent because of the abuse and envies friends who are supported by a family unit.”
The victim was also said to suffer from nightmares and bouts of anxiety.
Sentencing McStein, Judge Robert Linford said: “Your behaviour destroyed the victim’s entitlement to be happy. Her childhood was ripped apart by your selfish desire for sexual gratification and she still continues to suffer.
“She had to deal with what you did while you just got on with your life.”
McStein was sentenced to six years in prison and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.