KIRT STEVENSON SHOCKS TELFORD WITH GROOMING AND VIOLENCE INCIDENTS
In December 2020, a serious case involving Kirt Stevenson, a resident of Telford, drew significant attention from the local community and legal authorities.A judge from the Shropshire Crown Court publicly expressed concerns about the dangers posed by the public shaming of offenders on social media platforms, especially when those individuals have underlying mental health issues.
Judge Peter Barrie’s remarks came in the wake of Stevenson’s sentencing after he was found guilty of serious offences related to a minor.
Stevenson, aged 25, was identified on the Facebook group known as Telford Grooming Group, which is often used to highlight alleged offenders.
The judge highlighted the potential risks to public safety when such individuals are publicly named and shamed without proper context or understanding of their mental health conditions.
Stevenson’s case involved disturbing criminal behavior dating back to 2017.
Despite a police order explicitly forbidding him from meeting a 15-year-old girl, he took her to the Holiday Inn and out for dinner at a pub in Telford.
The offences included two counts of abducting a child under 16.
During the proceedings, Stevenson admitted to these charges and was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, indicating that he would not serve time unless he reoffends within that period.
In court, Judge Barrie addressed Stevenson directly, stating, “The substance of the allegations against you was true, but the way social media is used to publicly shame defendants in cases like yours can often be counterproductive to the public good.” He expressed concern that those responsible for posting about Stevenson may not have been aware of his mental health struggles and the potential danger he could pose to others, especially children.
The judge emphasized that reckless behavior on social media could have serious consequences, warning that such actions might inadvertently increase risks rather than mitigate them.
Further, the judge highlighted Stevenson’s dangerous behavior in public, noting that he often carried knives and sometimes a hammer.
“If you carry a knife, there is a real risk that you might use it if confronted,” Judge Barrie warned.
“Anyone carrying a weapon like that risks causing catastrophic injury.” Prosecutor Mr.
David Birrell provided additional context, revealing that Stevenson, who resides on Hayward Avenue in Donnington and has prior convictions, was subject to a harbouring notice intended to keep him away from the girl following her family’s concerns.
Despite this, CCTV footage from a hotel and a pub in Telford captured Stevenson and the girl together, blatantly disregarding the notice.
Mr.
Birrell stated, “It is the Crown’s case that the defendant spent time with her in clear violation of the notice.
There was also some sexual element to their relationship, although Stevenson claimed she threatened or blackmailed him.
The evidence, including messages exchanged between them, suggests they had a sexual relationship.” As part of his sentencing, Stevenson received a mental health treatment order, acknowledging the importance of addressing his psychological well-being.
Additionally, he is required to participate in up to 35 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at improving his thinking skills.
A restraining order was also issued, prohibiting him from contacting the victim in any way for a period of seven years, to protect her from further harm or intimidation.
