A 35-year-old man from Northfield has today been sentenced in relation to the sexual abuse of three girls – as young as 11-years-old – which took place over almost twenty years.
Stephen Jeffries was yesterday (Thursday 19th March) given a 30-year extended sentence at Birmingham Crown Court. The judge describing him as being considered a most dangerous offender. Jeffries was also put on the sexual offender register for life and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice.
Jeffries was arrested at his Northfield home in December 2024, days after a break-in at a Birmingham home during which a girl was sexually assaulted.
Specialist West Midlands Police officers worked with the girl and her family, to establish exactly what she had been through and offered them support as the investigation developed.
Today her parents have shared some of the victim statements they gave to the court as Jeffries was jailed.
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: that actions like this cannot and will not be tolerated.”
While 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.
“No matter what sentence is given here today, no sentence will be as long as the one my daughter has been given as this will be with her 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.
Today at Birmingham Crown Court the judge, His Honour Judge Dean Kershaw, also 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 license, he described Jeffries as being a very high risk to the public, and that he had imposed the extended sentence to protect the public.
Detective Sergeant Nicky Simms from the West Midlands Police public protection unit, said: “The three victims and their families have remained strong and committed during this 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.
“I would encourage anyone who has been victim of abuse to report this 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.
If you’ve been affected by reading this and want some support or advice click here Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | West Midlands Police