ST HELENS SEX OFFENDER STEPHEN SUMNER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING UNDER-AGE GIRLS ON FACEBOOK

In March 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Stephen Sumner, a man from St Helens, who was convicted of grooming under-age girls through social media platform Facebook. The case revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over two and a half years, during which Sumner exploited vulnerable young girls for sexual purposes.

Sumner, a 21-year-old resident of Holbrook Close in Sutton, was found guilty after a trial of seven charges related to sexual grooming and engaging in sexual activities with three under-age girls. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to three charges of inciting another under-age girl to participate in sexual acts. The court proceedings painted a grim picture of his conduct, which included manipulative and exploitative actions targeting minors.

During the sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Denis Watson, QC, emphasized the severity of Sumner’s actions. He stated that Sumner posed a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public, leading to the imposition of an extended two-year license following his five-year prison sentence. Despite his young age and lack of prior convictions, the judge underscored the dangerous nature of his behavior.

The court heard that Sumner’s first known victim was a girl in care, living with her grandparents, who was only 14 at the time. Sumner engaged in a sexual relationship with her at his flat, taking advantage of her vulnerability and her desire for attention. Judge Watson described this relationship as not being based on love but rather characterized by sexual convenience and abuse. The girl became pregnant as a result of their relationship, and her pregnancy was terminated just ten days before her 15th birthday. The judge noted that after the pregnancy, the relationship ended, but Sumner continued his predatory conduct.

Police had previously spoken to Sumner about his interactions with the first victim, but he persisted in his harmful behavior. He soon moved on to another under-age girl, with whom he engaged in sexual activity. Unlike the first victim, this girl was more street-wise and less impressionable, which prevented the relationship from progressing further. The court also revealed that Sumner groomed a third 15-year-old girl online, persuading her to expose herself on camera for him. He also targeted a 14-year-old girl who became infatuated with him, leading her to run away from home. Police found her naked at Sumner’s flat, but she initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming nothing had happened. However, approximately six weeks later, she provided a statement admitting that she and Sumner had engaged in sexual intercourse after a pillow fight. She also expressed feelings of unhappiness, depression, fear, and a loss of trust in others.

Prosecutor David Potter detailed that Sumner’s indecent activities spanned from 2011 to 2013, with the majority of incidents occurring in his flat’s bedroom. The court heard that the victims were often manipulated and exploited in private settings, highlighting the calculated nature of Sumner’s offending.

In response to the conviction, Judge Watson ordered Sumner to register as a sex offender for life and issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order lasting 14 years. This order restricts his internet usage and prohibits any unsupervised contact with children, aiming to prevent further harm. Sumner’s defense attorney, Eric Lamb, argued that his client’s troubled upbringing contributed to his behavior and claimed that Sumner believed he was helping victims who were in similar circumstances. Nonetheless, the court’s decision reflected the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect the community from future offenses.