Axminster musician Steve Black was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment at Exeter Crown Court yesterday (Thursday), for sexual offences committed in the early 1990s.

Steve Black, aged 68, whose real name is Stephen Hepher, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault at Taunton Crown Court in September 2021. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His sentencing was held yesterday in Exeter.

His crimes related to two 15-year-old girls, one of which he encouraged to undress and then groped her breasts, and the other he exploited and engaged in penetrative sexual behaviour with her.

Black previously ran a drama group which he used to gain access to his victims.

He was well known in the local area as a musician and lived in George Street, Axminster.

Clare Smith of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Stephen Hepher ran a drama group that gave him access to children and he used his position to groom and abuse his young victims.

"I would like to commend the victims for their strength in coming forward and supporting this prosecution.

"We want every victim of sexual assault to be able to have confidence that the CPS and police are dedicated to securing justice for them.

"This conviction shows that even when many years have passed since an offence was committed offenders can still expect to face justice."