THE PARENTS of a girl who spoke out about a serious sexual assault she was subjected to have praised her bravery as her attacker was jailed for 22 years.
Stephen Jeffries, from Northfield, abused three girls over almost two decades, with those he targeted aged as young as 11.
The 35-year-old, described by the judge as ‘a most dangerous offender’ was also put on the sexual offender register for life and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice.
He was arrested following a break-in at a Birmingham home in December 2024, during which a girl was sexually assaulted.
Through forensic evidence, investigators identified a suspect within days of the offence and arrested Jeffries from his home in Northfield on December 12, 2024.
Specialist officers worked with the girl and her family, to establish exactly what she had been through and offered them support as the investigation developed.
Victims’ statements
Following the sentence, her parents shared some of the victim statements given to the court.
Her father, said: “Life is incredibly challenging for women, who regularly face a world where their safety and dignity are threatened.
“I deeply admire my daughter for her courage in standing up against this injustice – it truly reflects her remarkable strength and character.
“No parent should ever have to watch their child endure this kind of pain.
“While I know no sentence or decision can undo the harm that has been done, I hope the court will take into account the devastating impact this crime has had – not just on her, but on all of us who love her.
“I want justice, not just for my family, but also to send a message to others – actions like this cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Her mother said: “Stephen Jeffries may have found her at her most vulnerable that night but what he did not realise is what a brave girl she truly is.
“The same strong girl that spoke up, she has done what most adults cannot face doing let alone a minor, her braveness is why we are all stood in this room today to ensure consequences are faced.”
She added no matter what sentence he received, it would not be as long as the one her daughter has been given by him – for the rest of her life.
Jeffries was also further charged with sexually assaulting two other girls, with those offences dating back to between 2005 and 2024.
‘Dangerous and deviant’
At Birmingham Crown Court, the judge, His Honour Judge Dean Kershaw, commended the bravery of the victims and their families in the case.
In passing a sentence of 22 years custody and eight years on an extended licence, he described Jeffries as being a very high risk to the public.
He added he imposed the extended sentence to protect the public.
Det Sgt Nicky Simms, from West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said the three victims and their families had remained strong and committed during the entire process.
“Their strength, fortitude and resilience attending every court hearing, has meant we have been able to bring a dangerous and deviant perpetrator to justice.
“It is down to the courage and bravery of these victims reporting and recounting the horrific details of the crimes committed against them, alongside the support and dedication of officers, that ensured that the defendant had no option but to enter guilty pleas.
“This sentence means he has now been imprisoned and is unable to harm others.”
He urged any other victims of abuse to report it to the police.
“Even years after an attack or sexual abuse has ended, we will listen and can give support as we work through a case to hopefully bring them justice for the ordeal they have been subjected to.
Click here to report a rape or sexual abuse to West Midlands Police.
