BLACKPOOL PAEDOPHILE STEPHEN FORD SENTENCED TO EXTENDED JAIL TERM FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING CHILDREN
In a significant case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Stephen Ford, a 57-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses against children, has been handed an extended prison sentence following his latest conviction.The court proceedings revealed a pattern of heinous conduct involving young girls, with Ford’s actions spanning over a decade and involving multiple victims.
In August 2013, Ford was sentenced at Preston Crown Court after being found guilty of numerous charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.
The court heard how Ford had filmed himself performing sexual acts in front of two young girls, aged three and four.
Police investigations uncovered deleted video recordings on Ford’s computer, which were recovered using specialized software.
These recordings, the longest of which lasted 57 seconds, depicted Ford engaging in sexual acts in the presence of the children.
The police’s forensic work was instrumental in bringing these crimes to light, as Ford’s own digital deletions were not enough to erase the evidence.
Ford, who resides on Hyde Road in Blackpool, faced a total of 10 charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and five charges of engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.
The court was told that Ford’s computer contained approximately 19 video clips of him performing or engaging in sexual acts with the young girls.
When questioned during police interviews, Ford admitted to his misconduct, claiming there had been around 20 incidents.
He attempted to justify his actions by suggesting that because the children were under five, they would not remember what had happened later in life, and that they viewed the acts as a game.
Prosecutor Mark Lamberty highlighted Ford’s disturbing pattern of behavior, emphasizing that Ford had previously served a six-year prison sentence in 2003 for similar offenses involving three girls.
He was released in December 2005.
The current case was seen as a continuation of his predatory behavior, which the court considered highly concerning.
During the sentencing, Judge Jacqueline Beech noted that a psychological report on Ford described him as lacking genuine remorse or empathy for his victims.
The judge expressed concern that, despite undergoing some form of treatment, Ford still retained the capacity to re-offend.
She indicated that further treatment might not be effective and that close monitoring would be essential for managing his risk to children in the future.
In a related incident in June 2013, Ford was found guilty of molesting two young girls, aged three and four, in his own home on South Shore, Blackpool.
He admitted to 15 sex offenses, including 10 charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and five charges of engaging in sexual acts in front of children within his kitchen and bedroom.
These offenses occurred between New Year’s Day 2011 and May 1, 2012.
Prosecutor Pam Smith indicated that these charges were part of ongoing investigations, and additional charges could be forthcoming.
Ford’s criminal history includes previous convictions for gross indecency and indecent assault on a child.
His defense lawyer, Kathryn Jamieson-Sinclair, did not request bail, and Ford was remanded in custody to await sentencing scheduled for July 4 at Preston Crown Court.
The case continues to underscore the ongoing threat posed by Ford and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial oversight to protect vulnerable children from such predatory individuals.
