DAVID STEAD'S SHOCKING SEX OFFENSE IN SUNDERLAND: TEENAGE GIRL CHASED AND ASSAULTED
In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Sunderland in May 2023, a 14-year-old girl became the victim of a sexual assault after her shoelaces came undone, leaving her vulnerable in a public street.The perpetrator, identified as David Stead, a 38-year-old man from Torrens Road, Sunderland, was involved in a frightening chase that drew the attention of bystanders and ultimately led to his arrest.
According to reports presented at Newcastle Crown Court, Stead was seen pursuing a group of teenagers in Sunderland.
While most of the youths managed to escape, the young girl was unable to run away due to her untied shoelaces, which slowed her down significantly.
Stead caught up with her from behind, grabbing her and turning her around to face him.
The girl resisted, shouting for help in an attempt to alert others nearby.
During the assault, Stead groped the girl over her clothing, an act that left her distressed and frightened.
Fortunately, her friend, who had been nearby, returned to the scene and intervened.
The friend managed to grab the girl’s arm and pull her away from Stead, while also calling him a “nonce,” a derogatory term indicating his sexual misconduct.
Moments later, the same man was seen again by the girls.
Stead shouted at them, asking, “do you want it,” while grabbing at his private parts, further intimidating the teenagers.
The girls, frightened and seeking safety, ran to a nearby pub where they sought help.
A group of men inside the pub responded quickly, confronting Stead and challenging his behavior.
The pub patrons then contacted the police to report the incident.
Witnesses described Stead at the time as being heavily intoxicated, swerving all over the street, which added to the concern about his state of mind and behavior.
The police arrived shortly after and took Stead into custody.
During questioning, he admitted to the sexual assault, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
The court heard how the attack had a lasting impact on the victim.
In a statement read aloud in court, she expressed her feelings of loss and vulnerability, stating, “I feel like he has robbed me of my independence.
I no longer feel safe on my own.” Her words underscored the emotional trauma inflicted by the incident.
It was also revealed that Stead had previous convictions, including incidents involving exposing himself and making sexual remarks to an adult woman at a Metro station, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior.
Judge Robert Spragg sentenced David Stead to 14 months in prison.
Additionally, he ordered Stead to sign the sex offenders register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the next ten years, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect the community from similar harm.
