A PREDATORY paedophile who subjected his victim to nine years of abuse has been jailed. 

Stephen Osceola Power began his campaign of abuse on his victim in 1987 when he would prey on the school girl and carry out his sordid sexual attacks.

​He continued a string of abuse on the victim until she was in her twenties but she was too afraid to report him to police. 

In 2019 she came forward to report Power and an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding department.

The 66-year-old was arrested but denied the allegations put to him and the case was sent to trial.

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A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of multiple counts of rape on Monday, March 28 and the following day he was given a 24 year prison sentence.

The Northern Echo: Stephen Osceola Power. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICEStephen Osceola Power. Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

In her victim personal statement, which was read out in the court during the trial, she said: "I did not have a childhood because of him, he totally took that away from me, and put me through hell whilst he did so. 

"In time I want to rebuild what I can of my life, knowing that I am now safe.”

The lead detective on the case said she hopes it will give others who have suffered abuse the confidence to come forward and report it.

Detective Constable Victoria Gray said: "The victim has suffered the most horrific abuse as a child which continued into her early adulthood.

"She has suffered so much physical and emotional abuse that I hope the outcome of this case gives her the sense of closure she needs to move on with her life.

"She has been so incredibly brave throughout this case and I can't commend her enough for speaking out against Power, who is an extremely controlling and dangerous individual."

Police are urging anyone who has concerns about any form of abuse - recent or non-recent - to speak out.

Detective Sergeant Damon Hall added: "Our priority is protecting those who are vulnerable and we all have a part to play in helping ensure the most vulnerable are supported.

"If you have been a victim of abuse, you know someone who has been abused or even if there is a situation that just doesn't feel right - this could be a sign of abuse - please just contact police - it is never too late to report abuse."

Power, 66, of Morton Street, Newcastle will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

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