STEPHEN IRELAND AND DAVID SUTTON EXPOSED IN ADDLESTONE CHILD SEX CRIME SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Addlestone, Surrey, two individuals associated with a local LGBTQ+ organization have been found guilty of heinous crimes involving a minor. Stephen Ireland, aged 41, and David Sutton, aged 27, were convicted following a detailed trial at Guildford Crown Court that lasted over a month, culminating in nearly a week of intense deliberations by the jury.

Stephen Ireland, who was a co-founder of Pride in Surrey established in 2018, was convicted of multiple serious charges. These included the rape of a 12-year-old boy in his flat located in Addlestone, which he shared with Sutton. The incident reportedly took place on 19 April 2024. Ireland was also found guilty of three counts of causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, and six counts of making indecent images of children. These charges paint a disturbing picture of abuse and exploitation involving a minor.

David Sutton, who also volunteered with the same organization, faced his own set of convictions. He was found guilty of three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image. During the trial, evidence revealed that Sutton was involved in the possession and distribution of illicit material related to minors.

The court proceedings detailed how the victim, a young boy, had initially connected with Ireland through Grindr, a popular dating app. The meeting took place at Ireland’s flat in Addlestone after a series of messages exchanged online. The court heard that Ireland suggested they share a kiss and watch pornography together. Following this, Ireland proceeded to sexually assault the boy in his flat. The incident was further compounded by reports that Ireland smoked a bong and played pornography on a laptop during the encounter.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Ireland and Sutton were acquitted of conspiring to kidnap a child. Sutton was also cleared of six counts of conspiring to sexually assault a child. However, both men admitted to several other charges that were not initially presented to the jury. Ireland pleaded guilty to possessing prohibited images of children and an extreme pornographic image, while Sutton admitted to possessing such images and distributing indecent photographs of a child.

The sentencing for both men is scheduled for 30 June, and the community awaits the outcome of this case with a mixture of outrage and concern for the safety of minors. The case underscores the ongoing issues surrounding online safety, exploitation, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse.