Abuser sentenced for 22 years in prison following multiple historic sex offences towards children

On Thursday 31 July at Swindon Crown Court, Stefon Winter, aged 73, of Goatacre near Calne received multiple convictions. 

In March 2024, after a trial in Swindon Crown Court Winter was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault by penetration carried out against a five-year-old girl during the 1980s. 

At the later trial in July this year, he was found guilty of two counts of buggery and three indecent assaults on a 13-year-old boy. These offences occurred between 1987 and 1989.  

A judge concluded that the crimes did not fulfil the threshold to pass a life sentence, and sentenced Winter to 22 years in prison. He further apologised for the length of time that the victims had waited for Winter to stand trial due to backlogs in the court system. 

Winter was convicted under the legislation that was in place when the offences occurred.  

Leigh Day human rights partner Dino Nocivelli, represents one of the survivors of Winter’s crimes in a civil legal claim against him. 

Following the latest sentencing, Dino Nocivelli said: 

“While this sentence provides some justice and closure for Winter’s victims after all these years, nothing can ever undo his actions.   

“This case highlights the importance of victims coming forward, even years after the abuse has taken place.  

“We represent one of the survivors of Winter’s crimes against children in their pursuit of justice and closure.”