Vernon Steele befriended vulnerable victim before subjecting her to multiple rapes over 10-day period
A man who befriended a woman with significant learning difficulties before raping her multiple times has been jailed for eight years.
Vernon Steele, 60, from Tewkesbury, met the vulnerable woman in 2023 and visited her regularly, telling neighbours he was helping with chores and keeping her company. A jury at Gloucester Crown Court found him guilty of four counts of rape in June, and he was sentenced on 11 July.
The court heard how Steele targeted the vulnerable woman, visiting her home under the pretence of providing assistance. A neighbour later found the victim distressed and crying in her flat, at which point she disclosed that Steele had raped her.
Pattern of Abuse
Judge Rupert Lowe, sentencing Steele, said: “You conceived that this vulnerable woman might be an outlet for your sexual frustrations. You showed her sexual video material on your phone but she didn’t want to see it.”
“You were not to be deterred by her lack of enthusiasm for this and you got her into her own bedroom… and had sexual intercourse without her consent which is an offence of rape,” the judge added.
The court was told that a month after befriending the woman, Steele showed her pornography on his phone and a video of himself masturbating. The woman did not want to see the material, did not like it, and told Steele to stop.
Multiple Attacks
Despite the woman’s clear rejection of his advances, Steele raped her in her bedroom a few days later. He went on to rape her in her home a further three times over the next 10 days, the court heard.
The attacks only came to light when a concerned neighbour found the victim in a distressed state. The woman was crying in her flat when she disclosed what Steele had done to her.
After being charged with the offences, Steele failed to appear at a court hearing, prompting a judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. He denied any wrongdoing throughout the legal proceedings.
Swift Verdict
The jury took just 34 minutes to unanimously find Steele guilty of all four counts of rape, reflecting the strength of the evidence against him.
Detective Constable Jon Furse from Gloucestershire Police praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward. “Our specially-trained officers will listen and you will be believed and supported every step of the way,” Det Con Furse said.
He encouraged anyone who had been sexually assaulted to report it to police, emphasising the support available to victims throughout the process.
Life on Sex Offenders’ Register
In addition to the eight-year prison sentence, Steele will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, meaning he will be subject to monitoring and restrictions after his release.
The case highlights the vulnerability of people with learning difficulties to sexual exploitation and abuse. Research shows that people with learning disabilities are at significantly higher risk of sexual abuse than the general population.
Support for Victims
Gloucestershire Police work closely with specialist support organisations including Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC), which provides free, confidential support to survivors of sexual violence.
The force has specially trained officers within its Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team (RASSO) who are experienced in supporting vulnerable victims through the investigation and court process.
Support services emphasise that victims will be believed and that help is available regardless of when the abuse occurred or the circumstances surrounding it.
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults in the community. Neighbours, carers and family members are encouraged to be vigilant for signs that someone may be being exploited or abused.
Warning signs can include unexplained distress, fear of certain individuals, or sudden changes in behaviour. Anyone with concerns about a vulnerable adult should contact police or adult social services.
Det Con Furse’s message to other victims was clear: report sexual assaults to police where specially-trained officers will provide support throughout the process. The conviction and significant sentence handed to Steele demonstrates that justice can be achieved even in cases involving vulnerable victims.
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