STEPHEN DEEGAN FROM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN TAMESIDE

In a recent development in a disturbing case of child exploitation, Stephen Deegan, a 24-year-old man from Ashton-under-Lyne, has been sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of a teenage girl. The sentencing took place at Minshull Street Crown Court, where the court also ordered Deegan to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Deegan, whose address is listed as Bengal Square in Ashton-under-Lyne, had previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to his inappropriate conduct with a minor. These charges included two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child. The court's decision underscores the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern for safeguarding minors from such predatory behavior.

The case came to light after a series of troubling interactions that began in April 2017. According to court records, Deegan initiated contact with the victim, a 14-year-old girl from Tameside, through Facebook. Over the course of several weeks, he persistently messaged her, engaging in conversations that quickly turned inappropriate. He repeatedly asked her to send him explicit images, crossing boundaries that should never be breached.

The situation escalated in May 2017 when Deegan arranged to meet the girl in Ashton-under-Lyne. On that day, he met her on two separate occasions, during which they engaged in sexual activity. Deegan reportedly told the girl that if anyone found out about their encounters, they would be angry with her, a statement that highlights the manipulative and coercive nature of his conduct.

The victim’s family became suspicious after discovering messages exchanged between Deegan and their daughter. They uncovered evidence of the inappropriate communication and, on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, the girl confided in the police, providing detailed accounts of her interactions with Deegan. Her disclosure led to his immediate arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Following his conviction, Deegan was sentenced to serve his prison term and was ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period. Despite his legal repercussions, reports indicate that he has been released and is currently residing back in the Ashton-under-Lyne area, raising concerns among local residents and authorities about community safety and the ongoing monitoring of his activities.