SEX OFFENDER WHO 'SHOCKED' DRIVER SENTENCED
A man who flashed his headlights at a female driver to make her slow down, then showed her explicit images, has received an 18-month community order.Luke Stephenson, from Settle in North Yorkshire, activated the lights of his rented BMW while the woman was traveling along Bingley Road in Saltaire on September 12, 2024, Bradford Crown Court was told.
The court heard that the woman initially thought the flashing might be from a police vehicle and reduced her speed.
During this time, Stephenson displayed the images and asked her to get into his car, but was interrupted by a taxi.
The 36-year-old was convicted of sharing a photograph of genitalia.
Prosecutor Shebanee Devadasan stated, "She was shocked and asked him to leave her alone." After being disturbed, Stephenson drove away but was later detained following investigations with the rental company.
He was convicted in May of this year, with the judge condemning his conduct as "utterly disgraceful." The judge acknowledged that the victim was vulnerable and frightened, especially since she was alone and driving at night, but also took into account Stephenson’s time in custody and mental health concerns.
He was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation and to pay £1,000 in costs.
Stephenson described the court process and imprisonment as frightening and expressed remorse for his actions.
