Child molester from South Shields sentenced to 17 years in prison

A “disgusting” paedophile who raped a young girl has been sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Stephen Frame, 34, gave the appearance of being a “good” person but in reality he was “far darker, more damaging and more abusive”, a judge at Newcastle Crown Court said.

His victim said Frame had “ripped away” her childhood and left her “physically, mentally and emotionally ruined.”

Frame, 34, of South Eldon Street, South Shields, was found guilty of 14 offences including rape and sexual abuse of a child under 13.

In a statement read out in court, the girl said she had been “ruined” by Frame and would have to “live with it forever.”

She said her childhood had been “ripped away” from her and he was the “reason” she was afraid of men.

She also said she had trouble sleeping, was constantly hiding and had “stopped smiling.”

“He stole something from me,” the girl said, adding, “A side of me that I will never see again.”

She said she could no longer trust people and could not imagine ever having a relationship with a man.

Judge Julie Clemitson described Frame’s actions as “abhorrent”, adding that he had left his young victim with a life “filled with fear”.

She said that while people thought well of Frame, “there was clearly something much darker, more damaging and more offensive hidden underneath.”

Frame must serve an additional year of extended probation after his release.

He also received a temporary restraining order and a lifetime protection order from sexual abuse.