'Dangerous' West Midlands man jailed for sick child abuse as victim 'still struggling'

A 'dangerous' Coventry man has been put behind bars for sex offences against a child he committed more than ten years ago. Steven Harrison (formerly Steven Gerrard) has been jailed for 18 years for child sex offences he committed in the 2010s.

Warwickshire Police described Harrison, 50, as a "dangerous man" following sentencing at Coventry Crown Court on Tuesday November 12. Detective constable Aiden Griffiths of Warwickshire Police praised the bravery of the victim who is "still coming to terms with what happened."

Harrison will have to serve five years on licence after he is released from prison. A Warwickshire Police spokesperson said: "Following a trial at Coventry Crown Court in September, Steven Harrison (formerly Steven Gerrard), 50, of Kingsway, Coventry was on Tuesday (12 November) sentenced to 18 years in prison for child sex offences.

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"After being released from prison he will serve five years on licence with strict conditions to prevent him reoffending."

Detective Constable Aiden Griffiths who led the investigation said: “I would like to recognise the bravery shown by the victim. For someone who is still young and coming to terms with what happened to him his courage has been unwavering. This should give other victims the confidence to come forward in the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.

"Harrison is a dangerous man and I am grateful he is now behind bars." The force added: "The offending happened in the 2010s when the victim was aged between 11 and 13. The court heard the distressing detail which showed how Harrison groomed the victim and threatened to harm him if he told anyone. The offending had a terrible impact on the him and his family.

"Harrison was jailed after being found guilty of four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of rape of a child under 13 and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also found to have breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

"Children can be amongst the most vulnerable people in society, and we are committed to protecting them. If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter when it occurred, there are specially trained officers who will listen, investigate and make sure you receive support."