KENDAL MAN STEPHEN WETTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD GROOMING IN SHOCKING ONLINE SCAM
In May 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Stephen Wetton, a 62-year-old man from Kendal, who was found guilty of engaging in a series of heinous online grooming activities targeting a 13-year-old girl.Wetton, a former college principal and school governor, exploited his professional background and responsibility for child protection to carry out his malicious intent through a fake online identity.
Using the alias “Lord Percy,” a name borrowed from the comedy TV series Blackadder, Wetton initiated contact with what he believed was a young schoolgirl.
Unbeknownst to him, the person on the other end of the conversation was an undercover police officer.
Over a span of 22 days, starting from April 16, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, Wetton engaged in sexually explicit messaging, attempting to incite the girl to perform sexual acts and even recommending adult pornography websites to her, claiming it could serve as a form of instruction.
Wetton’s messages were not only inappropriate but also deeply disturbing.
He quickly inquired about her age, to which she responded that she was 13.
Despite this, Wetton falsely claimed to be much older, initially suggesting he was 70, then later claiming to be 40.
His conversations included explicit encouragement and guidance on sexual activities, often starting with affectionate phrases like “Wake up sleepy head.” His persistent communication and explicit content demonstrated a clear intent to exploit the minor for his own sexual gratification.
On May 28, 2020, police officers arrested Wetton at his residence on Garden Street in Kendal.
During police interviews, he chose to give a no-comment response.
His defense team attempted to portray him as a trustworthy and honorable individual, with one reference describing him as “trustworthy, decent and honourable,” and his wife standing by his side.
However, the court heard that Wetton was fully aware he was communicating with a child.
Judge Nicholas Barker emphasized that Wetton quickly established the girl’s age within a minute of starting their conversation.
Despite knowing her true age, Wetton continued to engage in sexually explicit exchanges, which the judge described as a “positive attraction” for him.
The judge also pointed out Wetton’s professional background in education and his awareness of the sensitivities involved, making his actions even more reprehensible.
In sentencing, Judge Barker acknowledged Wetton’s apparent remorse and his efforts to address his offending.
The judge noted that Wetton’s behavior was profoundly depraved, especially given his role in education and child protection.
The court considered the seriousness of the offenses, which included multiple attempts to incite sexual activity and continuous sexual communication with a minor for personal gratification.
Initially, the judge indicated that a five-year prison sentence would be the baseline for such offenses.
However, after weighing all factors, he sentenced Wetton to a 22-month jail term, which was suspended for two years.
The sentence also included 35 days of rehabilitation, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a two-month curfew from 7 pm to 6 am.
Additionally, Wetton will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
In a related development earlier in April 2022, Wetton admitted to three separate child sex offenses in court, further solidifying his criminal conduct.
The court scheduled his sentencing for May 26, 2022, and granted him bail until that date, pending the preparation of a background report.
This case has sent shockwaves through Kendal and highlights the dangers of online grooming, especially involving individuals with professional responsibilities towards children.
