STANLEY KISSOON'S SHAMEFUL CRIMES IN CROYDON AND ROCK FERRY REVEALED

In July 2014, a disturbing case involving Stanley Kissoon, a convicted sex offender, came to light in the Wirral area, highlighting issues of compliance with legal obligations and the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses. Kissoon, aged 71 and residing on Highfield Grove in Birkenhead, faced court proceedings after it was discovered that he had failed to notify authorities of a change in his personal details, specifically his surname, which he altered to Herrman last August.

Despite having previously served a lengthy prison sentence of 15 years for serious crimes including rape and indecent assault against a girl under the age of 14 in London, Kissoon moved to the Wirral region, specifically to Rock Ferry, in 2012. His intention was reportedly to leave behind his troubled past and start anew. However, his efforts to maintain a low profile were marred by community hostility, as neighbors subjected him to threats and a poster campaign, reflecting the community's awareness of his criminal history.

His failure to comply with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 became a focal point during the court hearing. Prosecutor Lionel Cope explained that although Kissoon had informed police of his move to Wirral, he neglected to update his details when he changed his surname by deed poll. Kissoon, who presented himself in court as Stanley Herrman, was regularly visited by police officers, who believed he was complying with his legal obligations. It was only after a member of the public raised concerns that authorities became aware of the name change.

During the hearing, Mr. Cope emphasized that Kissoon had remembered to update his name on his bank account and driving license, but had deliberately failed to inform the police. When questioned, Kissoon appeared apologetic, claiming he was unaware of the requirement to notify authorities of his name change. His defense lawyer, Sarah Brooks, argued that her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and believed that his solicitors would have informed the authorities about his name change, describing the oversight as a genuine misunderstanding. She added that Kissoon had learned a valuable lesson and was determined to avoid future legal issues.

Further background revealed that after his release from prison, Kissoon moved from Croydon to Rock Ferry in 2012, seeking to escape the shadow of his past. Nevertheless, community tensions persisted, with neighbors threatening him and engaging in a poster campaign against him. The court was informed that Kissoon had failed to notify police of his name change, which was a breach of the legal requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

Chairman of the bench, Brian O’Connell, acknowledged the defense's arguments but underscored the seriousness of the breach. He stated, “This is a significant change and it was undetected for four months. This was a deliberate failure to comply.” As a result, Kissoon was sentenced to nine weeks in custody, suspended for a year. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid community work, adhere to a six-month supervision order, and pay costs amounting to £165.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in dealing with convicted offenders and highlights the importance of strict adherence to legal obligations designed to protect the public. Kissoon’s history, which includes a previous conviction for sexual offenses committed in London, remains a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by individuals with such backgrounds, especially when they attempt to conceal or alter their identities to evade detection and accountability.