Abuse victim says ‘I have no shame now’ as attacker from 1980s jailed

A victim of sexual abuse as a child told his attacker in court “you are not even half the man I have become” as he was jailed for 15 years.

Glenn Langrish, also known as Glenn Stephens, was sentenced for his crimes dating back to the 1980s, after being subject to an international manhunt for 12 years.

At Hove Crown Court on Friday, the court heard that Langrish hired Stephen Lewsey, then aged 10, at a repair shop in Crawley and sexually abused him over three years at work.

The 74-year-old later moved to Sweden, which sparked an international investigation by Sussex Police when Mr Lewsey, now 51, reported the abuse in 2011.

Sussex Police said Langrish was tracked down by Interpol in 2016 in Sweden and by then had Swedish citizenship so could not be extradited to the UK.

An international warrant for his arrest was issued and it was not until May 2023 Langrish was arrested in Poland and was brought back to the UK in July, the force said.

Giving his victim impact statement at Hove Crown Court on Friday, Mr Lewsey said: “Until I confided in my wife, I treated this as my dirty little secret.

“It has taken a long time to face you in court but now we have had our day and the jury have seen through your lies, I can now start to rebuild my life.”

Mr Lewsey, who was supported by his family in court, spoke of the emotional turmoil for him and his loved ones who had blamed themselves for the actions of Langrish.

Victims of sexual offences are automatically granted lifetime anonymity, but Mr Lewsey waived this right, adding: “I have no shame now, I realise it wasn’t me, it was you that was wrong and hope more people come forward.

“I now know you are in a place where you cannot harm another young person, and for that I am grateful.”

Mr Lewsey also praised the work of Sussex Police for convincing him to carry on with the case and passed on information to officers leading to the international arrest warrant.

Langrish, who previously lived in Vendelso, Sweden, was convicted after a trial of four counts of indecency with a child and four counts of indecent assault on a child.

On sentencing, Judge Gary Lucie paid tribute to Mr Lewsey and his “tenacity” in the case.

Langrish was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and a further three years on extended licence.

In a statement after the sentencing, Sussex Police detective sergeant Becki Buckley said: “Glenn Langrish thought he could hide in Sweden and not have to face justice for his appalling crimes.

“He hugely underestimated the determination of Sussex Police, our partner forces and national agencies and, just as importantly, the resolve of his brave victim.

“I cannot commend Stephen Lewsey enough for his courage in coming forward, supporting this investigation for such a long time and choosing to waive his anonymity to help other victims.”