Understand
Stephen Sellars jailed for 16 months for sexual penetration of a corpse
Overview
Stephen Sellars, 62, from Hibaldstow, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to the sexual penetration of a dead body. He was caught in the act by the victim's son and nephew when they returned to the home where the woman had recently passed away. The judge noted elements of planning—such as bolted gates and locked doors—and imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order alongside a restraining order.
Key points
- Stephen Sellars, 62, was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Hull Crown Court for sexual penetration of a corpse.
- The offence was discovered by the victim's son and nephew when they returned to her home.
- The judge highlighted aggravating factors including planning, as Sellars had locked doors, shut curtains, and bolted a gate.
- Judge John Thackray KC stated that a law change would have allowed a maximum sentence of seven years if the crime had occurred slightly later, but the maximum available was two years.
- Sellars received a five-year sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order regarding the victim's son and nephew.