Child abuser freed to walk the streets

May 8 2006 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A UNIVERSITY student who abused a ten-year-old girl has walked free from court.

David Steadman, 35, of Peterbrook Rise, Shirley, was given a three-year community rehabilitation order. The UCE engineering student pleaded guilty to indecent assault when he appeared at Birmingham Crown Court. He was also banned from working with children indefinitely and put on the sex offenders register for five years.

Sentencing him, Judge David Matthews said: "You behaved in relation to that girl in a wholly inappropriate way."

But Judge Matthews said that by completing a community rehabilitation order, it would prevent Steadman from being a danger to women and young girls.

"In my judgement, this is a more reasonable way of dealing with you," he said.

Michael Duck, prosecuting, said that Steadman committed the offence in summer 1997.

Samantha Forsyth, defending, said the offence was an "isolated incident" which was out of character.

"His remorse appears genuine. He appreciates what he has done is wrong," she said.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that Steadman has since re-married and had two young daughters. She said his new wife and brother had been standing by him throughout the case.

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