MICHAEL STONE FROM GRAVESEND DETAINED UNDER MENTAL HEALTH ACT AFTER VOWS OF REVENGE

In July 2013, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Stone, a young man from Gravesend, who was placed under an indefinite detention order under the Mental Health Act following a series of alarming threats and criminal allegations.

Stone, aged 20 and residing on Valley Drive in Gravesend, was involved in serious criminal proceedings related to sexual offences. He was accused of multiple offences, including attempted rape, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, and sexual activity with a minor. The case also involved a pervert pensioner, Donald Down, aged 76, of Winchester Crescent, Gravesend, who was convicted earlier that month and sentenced to eight and a half years in prison.

The court proceedings revealed that Stone was found unfit to plead to the charges, which meant that a jury had to determine whether he committed the acts. The jury ultimately found him responsible for two specific offences: one of sexual assault involving physical touching, and another of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, which involved persuading a young boy to get into a bath with him.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, expert testimony was provided by consultant psychiatrist Dr. David Thomas. He stated that Stone was suffering from a mental disorder that necessitated ongoing treatment programs to mitigate the risk of further offending. Dr. Thomas expressed concern that Stone lacked the internal resources to modify his behaviour independently. He noted that much of Stone’s conduct appeared to be bravado, but also highlighted repeated assertions by Stone about plans to abscond and seek revenge on those he believed responsible for his detention.

Dr. Thomas warned that if given the opportunity, Stone would likely return to Gravesend and attempt to contact his victims and their families. He emphasized that such actions could not be predicted with certainty but expressed a belief that Stone’s threats were not merely bravado. The psychiatrist also indicated that Stone’s response to treatment was expected to be modest, estimating that it could take between 18 to 24 months for any meaningful progress, given his apparent denial of his condition.

Judge Michael Carroll, presiding over the case, stated that he was compelled to issue a hospital order for Stone’s detention. He explained that there was no alternative, as Stone was deemed unsuitable for community treatment. The judge recounted incidents involving Stone, including an episode where he took boys to an address and an incident involving a fishing needle, which added to the concerns about public safety.

Addressing the threats made by Stone, the judge acknowledged that much of it might be bravado but emphasized that it remained frightening. He concluded that a hospital order was necessary to manage the risk of serious harm to the public. The order was to be made without a time limit, and Stone was to be kept under careful review by either the Secretary of State or the mental health tribunal before any possibility of release.

This case underscores the serious concerns surrounding individuals with mental health issues who commit sexual offences, and the legal and medical measures taken to protect the community from potential harm.