STEPHEN BEAN FROM HULL AND IPSWICH CAUGHT SENDING INDECENT MESSAGES TO TEEN GIRL

In a disturbing case that has raised concerns among parents and community members, Stephen Bean, a man with connections to both Hull and Ipswich, was found guilty of sending inappropriate and indecent messages to a 15-year-old girl. The incident came to light after the girl’s father took proactive steps to investigate unusual behavior in his daughter, leading to the discovery of the offensive communications.

According to reports, the girl’s father noticed a change in her demeanor—she had become withdrawn, lost her appetite, and appeared unusually quiet. Concerned about her well-being, he decided to check her phone, suspecting that something was amiss. During this review, he initially found some messages that had been deleted, but two days later, he uncovered another message that confirmed his suspicions. The message was from an adult male, later identified as Stephen Bean, who had contacted the girl via Facebook, asking if she could come around to his house. The message also included his address, which heightened the concern for her safety.

Bean, who was formerly residing on Goldsmith Road in Ipswich and later living on Annandale Road in Hull, was arrested after the father reported the incident to the police. The father recounted that he responded to the message using his daughter’s phone, asking why he wanted her to visit. It was during this exchange that Bean claimed he was alone at his residence, prompting the father to cease communication and contact law enforcement authorities.

Following his arrest, Stephen Bean appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of sending indecent or obscene messages. The court proceedings revealed that Bean had intentionally engaged in inappropriate communication with the teenage girl, which prompted immediate legal action. As part of his sentence, Bean, now living in Hull, was ordered to participate in a sex offenders’ programme and will be under supervision for a period of 36 months, as mandated by a three-year community order. Additionally, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from making any contact with the girl, who remains anonymous due to legal protections.

During the sentencing hearing, Bean expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I am ashamed of my actions and I regret what I did.” The chairman of the bench, Peter Foster, emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and monitoring, instructing Bean to attend the Northumbria Sex Offenders’ Group Programme and undergo assessments during his supervised period.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians. The girl’s father advised other parents to be aware of their children’s online interactions, especially if they notice changes in behavior such as withdrawal, loss of appetite, or quietness. He urged parents to regularly check their children’s messages, including deleted files, to prevent similar incidents from occurring. His warning serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in digital spaces and the need for constant awareness and communication to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation and harm.