Source: Essex Police published on this website Friday 10 April 2026 by Jill Powell
The Essex Police, Child Abuse Investigation Team has seen a Suffolk man jailed for abusing two girls in Essex over 16 years.
Stephen Harper, 60, of Hill Rise in Stowmarket, was accused of assaulting two victims between 2008 and 2024 in the area of Stansted Mountfitchet.
Police officers have carried out an extensive, sensitive investigation since that abuse was reported to us in June 2024, working closely with the victims and their families to make sure they are supported and protected through this process.
Thanks to their statements and the case built by the teams investigators, the Crown Prosecution Service approved charges for Harper in September 2025.
He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 13 January 2026 and has since pleaded guilty to nine counts; five of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and four of sexual assault.
He’s now been jailed for seven-and-a-half years, will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, has been given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
In statements submitted to the court one victim said:
“Since his arrest I have had nightmares about what he did to me.
Because I couldn’t cope with what happened to me and didn’t know how to process it I spiralled out of control. I didn’t comprehend the damage I was doing to myself. I closed myself off emotionally and felt lost.”
Despite this, she also said she hoped Harper received the mental health support he clearly needed.
Detective Siobhan Murphy said:
“The two victims in this case have continued to carry themselves with incredible dignity throughout this case, and I’d like to thank them and their families for their support.
Both of them did something incredibly difficult by talking to us about what Harper had done, and with the work of the Child Abuse Investigation Team we have now seen a dangerous man put behind bars.”
Free support for survivors of sexual violence in Essex
Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone in Essex affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence - whether it happened recently or in the past.
It’s made up of three expert services:
- Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse
- Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service
- Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis
You don’t need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you.
Support is available for all ages and includes:
- Counselling (in person, online or by phone).
- Emotional and practical help.
- Guidance from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to report the crime.
Their First Contact team can talk you through your options and help you get started.
Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.
