Man sentenced for Fareham child sex offences

HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY have confirmed that a serial sex offender has been officially sentenced to a total of 26 years imprisonment for sexual abuse of a young girl from Fareham; the sixty-one year old male previously being found guilty of 15 child sex crimes following a lengthy investigation led by the force’s ‘Child Abuse Investigation Team’ (CAIT).

Steven Lovelock, of no fixed abode, was charged with multiple offences in 2022 after the victim came forward to police; reporting that she had been abused between 2015 and 2022. This started when the youngster was aged under thirteen years of age and enquiries were undertaken by the CAIT, leading to further action and the criminal trial earlier this year.

These charges were: two counts of rape of a child under 13, a count of attempted rape of a child under 13, 2 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of sexual activity with a child, four counts of assault by penetration of a child, two counts of causing / inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of taking indecent photographs.

Despite his denial Lovelock was found guilty of all charges back on July 14 after a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court and a date made for sentencing. Appearing at the same court on Friday, His Honour Judge Ashworth stated that jurors had heard information that leaves “a scar on the soul of the community”; before he jailed Lovelock for 26 years behind bars.

Full quotes from the investigation team can be read here, with police looking to outline information to anybody who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child. They can either contact the confidential NSPCC helpline confidentially by calling 0808 500 5000 or via email on help@nspcc.org.uk, whilst children can further contact Childline on 0800 1111. Alternately readers can visit the Hampshire Constabulary website for links to local support services here.