MARK STEWART AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN WARWICK

A resident of Warwick has admitted to a series of disturbing online sex offences, including attempting to initiate sexual communication with a minor. The individual, identified as Mark Stewart, who lives on Kempton Drive, was involved in these illicit activities during May and June of this year.

Stewart engaged in online messaging with a profile he believed belonged to a girl under the age of 13. During these interactions, he sent provocative and suggestive messages, which raised suspicion among investigators. It was the Online Investigations Team at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) that first identified the potential misconduct. Their concerns prompted a referral to Warwickshire Police.

On June 29, Stewart was taken into custody at his home address following an early morning arrest. The police conducted a thorough search of his property, during which a variety of items were seized for forensic examination. Among these items was his mobile phone, which, after detailed analysis, revealed a pattern of multiple conversations of a sexual nature.

Further investigation uncovered that Stewart had shared explicit images of himself online and had also requested such images from the presumed underage girl’s profile. In addition, he asked her to perform a sexual act. These communications demonstrated his intent and involvement in juvenile sexual exploitation.

Initially, Stewart cooperated minimally, opting for a no-comment interview when questioned. However, he later appeared before Warwick Crown Court on Thursday, 3 August, where he pleaded guilty to several serious charges. These included two counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, one count of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a minor, and another count of attempting to incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

His case is scheduled for sentencing on 18 September at Warwick Crown Court, where the full extent of his offences will be formally addressed. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory conduct.