Steven L'Hirondelle Torquay Sex Offender
Steven L'Hirondelle Torquay Sex Offender

A “lonely” sex offender burglar, Steven L’Hirondelle, who unlawfully entered the residence of a slumbering widow and thereafter climbed into bed with her has been incarcerated.

The 62-year-old victim awoke to discover pervert Steven L’Hirondelle kissing and caressing her back in her residence in Torquay.

She escaped into the street, calling for assistance from neighbours.

Steven L’Hirondelle, 30, from St Marychurch in Torquay, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and sexual assault and was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Exeter Crown Court.

Judge David Evans stated, “The victim feared she would be assaulted.” Although that was not your goal, it represented a daunting possibility that she dreaded.

After the assault in May, the woman informed the police that she did not wish to return home, believed she could never sleep in her bed again, and required to sanitise the entire residence.

Mr. Martin Salloway, in defence, stated that Steven L’Hirondelle could not elucidate his conduct beyond attributing it to inebriation and a sense of “loneliness” at that moment.

He had locked himself out of his residence and entered the woman’s house in search of a place to sleep.

Steven L’Hirondelle informed the officers that he had previously visited the residence to have tea with the woman’s daughter, but remarked, “Even with acquaintances, one cannot approach them stealthily.”


If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.