STEPHEN BOSHIER FROM CROOK SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUNG BOY

In a recent case heard at Durham Crown Court, Stephen Boshier, a 53-year-old man from Coniston Crescent, Crook, was sentenced to 23 months in prison following his conviction for serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The case drew significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the grooming behavior and the impact on the young victim.

According to court proceedings, the incident began when a teenage girl, suspecting her boyfriend was unfaithful, discovered explicit messages on his messaging platform. These messages, which appeared to be exchanged with a man from Crook, prompted her to inform her mother. This revelation set off a police investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of Stephen Boshier, who was identified as the sender of the inappropriate messages.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Boshier had taken a particular interest in a young boy, whom he befriended and manipulated. Court documents detailed how Boshier would take the boy to swimming baths, allow him to play computer games, and reward him for doing well at school. Prosecutor Sam Faulks described these actions as grooming behavior, designed to build trust and influence over the child.

The situation escalated when Boshier began sending the boy sexually explicit messages, asking him to send nude photographs and perform sexual acts. The messages also included offers of sexual acts in exchange for similar acts from Boshier himself. These communications occurred in early September, and Boshier has been in custody since his arrest.

At the plea hearing on October 23, Boshier admitted to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual communication with a minor. He appeared via video link from Durham Prison to acknowledge his guilt. The court adjourned sentencing to allow for a background report on Boshier and for the victim’s family to prepare an impact statement.

During the sentencing, it was noted that the young boy’s academic performance had declined, and he was experiencing feelings of guilt and confusion. However, authorities clarified that the victim was not to blame, and the investigation helped him understand that he was not at fault.

Defense lawyer David Callan stated that Boshier accepted he would face a custodial sentence and expressed his intention to relocate to Lincolnshire, his native region, upon release, in an effort to provide some solace to the victim’s family.

Judge Simon Hickey highlighted Boshier’s criminal history, which included 17 previous convictions, with his last imprisonment dating back to 1988. The judge pointed out that Boshier had been cautioned in 1992 for publishing obscene articles, allowing his property to be used for sexual acts involving a teenage girl, and for indecent assault on a female.

In sentencing, Judge Hickey emphasized the seriousness of the grooming behavior, describing it as an attempt to manipulate and soften up the young boy. Boshier was sentenced to 27 months in prison, with additional restrictions imposed. He was banned from working with children or vulnerable adults for life and was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. Furthermore, he was required to register as a sex offender for the same period, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.