STOKE MAN STEPHEN TURNER AT CENTRE OF SHOCKING INDECENT ACTS AT TRENTHAM GARDENS
| Red Rose Database
Stoke Child Sexual Abuser
In August 2014, a disturbing incident occurred at the popular tourist destination of Trentham Gardens in Stoke, Staffordshire, involving a man named Stephen Turner. The 65-year-old was caught performing a sexual act in front of schoolboys in the toilets of the attraction, an event that left witnesses and the public deeply shocked.
Turner's inappropriate behavior took place during a school trip involving pupils from a Leicestershire school. The students, who were visiting Trentham Gardens as part of their educational outing, were unaware of the disturbing actions unfolding nearby. According to reports, Turner was observed moving between urinals in the restroom before turning to perform a sexual act on himself. One of the young boys reportedly saw Turner walking towards them as he engaged in the act, an encounter that understandably caused alarm and distress among the children.
Michael Walker, the head of the garden and estate at Trentham Gardens, became aware of the incident after receiving complaints from witnesses. He followed Turner to another toilet block and confronted him. When challenged, Turner denied any inappropriate behavior, but the evidence was clear enough for police to arrest him shortly afterward.
At the time of the incident, Turner was a patient at Florence House, a mental health hospital located in Porthill. On March 18 of the previous year, staff had taken him to his former address on Hilton Road in Stoke to retrieve some personal belongings. During this visit, a social worker noticed Turner was packing material that appeared to be pornographic. Upon returning him to Florence House, authorities discovered that his case was locked in an office, revealing magazines and photo albums containing both adult and child pornography.
Further police investigation uncovered a significant collection of illegal images in Turner's room, totaling 163 images at level one, 83 at level two, 32 at level three, and 118 at level four. Turner refused to comment during police interviews regarding these images. The police also found additional illicit material during a search of his room, confirming his possession of indecent photographs of children.
In court, the prosecution, led by John Butterfield QC, presented evidence that established Turner’s involvement in the indecent acts and possession of illegal images. Turner, who currently resides at a hospital in Romford, Essex, was charged with four counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor. The jury found him guilty of these charges.
Turner’s mental health was a significant factor in his sentencing. His defense, represented by Kevin Mortlock, highlighted his mental health issues, including brain damage affecting his memory and social behavior. Dr. Jason Taylor, a consultant psychiatrist, confirmed that Turner suffers from bipolar disorder and fronto-temporal dementia, a progressive condition that causes personality changes.
Judge David Fletcher, presiding over the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, ordered Turner to be subject to a hospital order. Recognizing the potential danger he poses, the judge also issued an indefinite restriction order to protect the public from further harm. Additionally, Turner will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct.
Turner's inappropriate behavior took place during a school trip involving pupils from a Leicestershire school. The students, who were visiting Trentham Gardens as part of their educational outing, were unaware of the disturbing actions unfolding nearby. According to reports, Turner was observed moving between urinals in the restroom before turning to perform a sexual act on himself. One of the young boys reportedly saw Turner walking towards them as he engaged in the act, an encounter that understandably caused alarm and distress among the children.
Michael Walker, the head of the garden and estate at Trentham Gardens, became aware of the incident after receiving complaints from witnesses. He followed Turner to another toilet block and confronted him. When challenged, Turner denied any inappropriate behavior, but the evidence was clear enough for police to arrest him shortly afterward.
At the time of the incident, Turner was a patient at Florence House, a mental health hospital located in Porthill. On March 18 of the previous year, staff had taken him to his former address on Hilton Road in Stoke to retrieve some personal belongings. During this visit, a social worker noticed Turner was packing material that appeared to be pornographic. Upon returning him to Florence House, authorities discovered that his case was locked in an office, revealing magazines and photo albums containing both adult and child pornography.
Further police investigation uncovered a significant collection of illegal images in Turner's room, totaling 163 images at level one, 83 at level two, 32 at level three, and 118 at level four. Turner refused to comment during police interviews regarding these images. The police also found additional illicit material during a search of his room, confirming his possession of indecent photographs of children.
In court, the prosecution, led by John Butterfield QC, presented evidence that established Turner’s involvement in the indecent acts and possession of illegal images. Turner, who currently resides at a hospital in Romford, Essex, was charged with four counts of possessing indecent photographs of a child and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor. The jury found him guilty of these charges.
Turner’s mental health was a significant factor in his sentencing. His defense, represented by Kevin Mortlock, highlighted his mental health issues, including brain damage affecting his memory and social behavior. Dr. Jason Taylor, a consultant psychiatrist, confirmed that Turner suffers from bipolar disorder and fronto-temporal dementia, a progressive condition that causes personality changes.
Judge David Fletcher, presiding over the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, ordered Turner to be subject to a hospital order. Recognizing the potential danger he poses, the judge also issued an indefinite restriction order to protect the public from further harm. Additionally, Turner will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct.