STEPHEN DASS CAUGHT IN KEMPSTON FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH UNDERAGE GIRLS

In March 2018, a man from Kempston named Stephen Dass was apprehended after being caught by vigilant paedophile hunters for engaging in inappropriate online conduct involving minors. Dass, aged 43 and residing on Molley Moore Avenue in Kempston, faced serious allegations related to attempting to communicate sexually with a minor and sending indecent images of himself.

Dass was charged with two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The charges stemmed from his interactions with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl in Wales, although these conversations were actually with members of a vigilante group called Stand Together for Children. According to the prosecution, Sukwinder Dhadda, Dass believed he was talking to a young girl in October, despite clear indications that she was only 13. During these exchanges, Dass engaged in sexualised conversations, sent explicit images of himself, and shared a pornographic video with the supposed minor.

The group, after discovering Dass's inappropriate messages, took action by locating him and alerting the police. When law enforcement officers examined Dass's phone, they uncovered additional disturbing details. It was revealed that between August and September, Dass had also been communicating with a real 13-year-old girl from Northamptonshire. During these conversations, Dass admitted to feeling 'bored and randy,' and described himself as 'buzzing in his boxer shorts.' He also sent indecent photographs of himself to this girl, as well as to the fictional minor he believed he was chatting with.

Dass appeared before Luton Crown Court, where Judge Richard Foster addressed him directly. The judge expressed his disapproval of Dass's actions, emphasizing the shame he should feel. He highlighted the dangers of the internet, acknowledging its usefulness but warning against its potential for misuse. The court sentenced Dass to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period.

Furthermore, Dass was ordered to participate in a treatment programme, register as a Sex Offender, and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next ten years. These measures aim to prevent any future misconduct and ensure public safety, reflecting the serious nature of his offences and the court's commitment to protecting minors from exploitation.