STEPHEN KAY FROM RAWCLIFFE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HAVING OVER 300,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES
| Red Rose Database
Rawcliffe Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Rawcliffe, Stephen Kay, a 57-year-old former director and shareholder of IPS Group, was found to possess an alarming collection of indecent images of children, exceeding 300,000 in number. The Hull Crown Court heard that Kay’s computer contained a vast stash of both still photographs and videos depicting child abuse, some of which were described as 'extreme' in nature.
Further investigations revealed that Kay had not only accumulated these disturbing images but had also established a network of like-minded individuals to share such material. This network facilitated the distribution of these illicit images, adding a deeply troubling dimension to his offenses.
Despite the severity of his actions, Kay was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a suspended sentence after the court deemed him to pose a very low risk of reoffending. The decision was influenced by a probation report and supportive letters from his wife and daughter, suggesting that his behavior was out of character, although the judge emphasized that the repeated access to such material indicated a deeply ingrained issue.
During the proceedings, Kay’s legal representative, Antony Farrell, disclosed that police had returned two of Kay’s computer hard drives, one of which still contained indecent images. Farrell recounted Kay’s reaction, stating, “He was absolutely horrified by this so he contacted his solicitor in order to return them. He was rather surprised that they had been sent back to him.”
Kay pleaded guilty to six counts of possessing indecent images and one count of distributing them. The court heard that he had built up his collection over a period of time and had actively shared these images with others, which the judge described as a particularly alarming aspect of his conduct.
Judge Tim Roberts sentenced Kay to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed several strict conditions. Kay is required to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program, notify police of his address for the next ten years, and restrict his internet use for the same period. Additionally, he is barred from working with children during this time.
Following the hearing, a spokeswoman for Humberside Police stated, “We are aware of the claims that were raised in court in relation to a returned computer and we are now looking into the matter.” The case has raised concerns about the adequacy of the measures taken to prevent such material from being circulated and the ongoing risks posed by individuals like Kay in the community of Rawcliffe.
Further investigations revealed that Kay had not only accumulated these disturbing images but had also established a network of like-minded individuals to share such material. This network facilitated the distribution of these illicit images, adding a deeply troubling dimension to his offenses.
Despite the severity of his actions, Kay was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a suspended sentence after the court deemed him to pose a very low risk of reoffending. The decision was influenced by a probation report and supportive letters from his wife and daughter, suggesting that his behavior was out of character, although the judge emphasized that the repeated access to such material indicated a deeply ingrained issue.
During the proceedings, Kay’s legal representative, Antony Farrell, disclosed that police had returned two of Kay’s computer hard drives, one of which still contained indecent images. Farrell recounted Kay’s reaction, stating, “He was absolutely horrified by this so he contacted his solicitor in order to return them. He was rather surprised that they had been sent back to him.”
Kay pleaded guilty to six counts of possessing indecent images and one count of distributing them. The court heard that he had built up his collection over a period of time and had actively shared these images with others, which the judge described as a particularly alarming aspect of his conduct.
Judge Tim Roberts sentenced Kay to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed several strict conditions. Kay is required to participate in a sex offenders’ treatment program, notify police of his address for the next ten years, and restrict his internet use for the same period. Additionally, he is barred from working with children during this time.
Following the hearing, a spokeswoman for Humberside Police stated, “We are aware of the claims that were raised in court in relation to a returned computer and we are now looking into the matter.” The case has raised concerns about the adequacy of the measures taken to prevent such material from being circulated and the ongoing risks posed by individuals like Kay in the community of Rawcliffe.