STEPHEN ENGLISH FROM KABER INVOLVED IN SEX OFFENSES WITH SCHOOLGIRLS IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has shocked the local community, Stephen James English, a 21-year-old man from Kaber, has been convicted and placed on the sex offenders’ register following his admission to engaging in sexual activities with two underage schoolgirls. The incidents took place over a period stretching from November 2011 to September of the following year, involving multiple instances of inappropriate conduct.

English appeared before Carlisle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to a total of ten charges related to sexual activity with the two minors. Eight of these charges involved a girl who was 15 years old at the time, while the remaining two pertained to a girl aged 14. The court heard that the offences spanned nearly a year, highlighting a pattern of misconduct that has raised serious concerns among residents and authorities alike.

During the proceedings, English’s defense lawyer, Mark Shepherd, acknowledged that his client admitted to having an “inappropriate relationship” with the girls. However, Shepherd emphasized that the relationship was consensual, a point that the prosecution indicated would require further scrutiny. Prosecutor Kim Whittlestone stated that the prosecution team would need some additional time to decide whether to accept the plea as it stood, especially considering discrepancies in the details of the allegations, such as the frequency of sexual encounters with the older girl and the locations where these acts occurred.

Whittlestone also mentioned that if necessary, the two girls might be called to give evidence at a fact-finding hearing to clarify the circumstances of the case. Nonetheless, Judge Paul Batty QC expressed hope that such a hearing would not be required, indicating a preference for resolving the matter based on the current admissions.

At the time of the offences, English was residing in Oakwood View, Kaber, but he has since moved to Westbrook Fields, Kirkby Stephen. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28. The case has garnered significant attention in the local area, raising questions about safeguarding and the protection of minors in the community.