STEPHEN WHITEHEAD'S SHOCKING CRIME IN IMMINGHAM: PERVERT AND REPEAT OFFENDER ESCAPES LONGER JAIL TIME

In a case that has shocked the community of Immingham, Stephen Whitehead, aged 50, has been at the center of a disturbing incident involving the supply of a controlled drug to a vulnerable teenager. Whitehead, residing at Hawerby House on Alden Close, was found guilty of giving a diazepam tablet to a 15-year-old girl on March 14. Despite the gravity of the offense, the initial sentence handed down by the magistrates was eight weeks in prison, a punishment that has now been significantly reduced following an appeal to Grimsby Crown Court.

Whitehead’s history of misconduct and his blatant disregard for police warnings played a crucial role in the court proceedings. Authorities had previously warned him not to allow a particularly vulnerable and emotionally fragile schoolboy, who had been under social services care since 2001 due to his family’s inability to care for him, to visit his home. Despite these warnings, Whitehead repeatedly ignored these directives, allowing the boy to visit his residence on multiple occasions.

The teenager, who has been described as emotionally damaged with the mental development of a child aged six or seven, had a troubling history of running away from home. Eighteen months prior to the incident involving Whitehead, the boy had gone missing on several occasions, including a 24-day disappearance during which he refused to disclose how he sustained certain injuries.

Whitehead’s criminal record is extensive, including a conviction from 1978 for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. This background was highlighted during the court proceedings, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the potential risk he posed to vulnerable youths.

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, presiding over the appeal, described the original sentence as “excessive” and “in no way justified,” noting that it exceeded the sentencing guidelines set by the government for such offenses. During the appeal, Whitehead’s legal representative, Richard Butters, argued that the maximum appropriate sentence for the offense should have been six weeks, especially considering Whitehead’s guilty plea, which warranted a reduction of one-third in the sentence.

The court heard that Whitehead had given the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, a diazepam tablet after she arrived at his home in a distressed state. In his interview with police, Whitehead claimed that he believed the tablet would calm her down because it was prescribed to him and he was familiar with its effects. Prosecutor Wendy Foster explained that police had responded to reports of a girl wanted on bail being at Whitehead’s address. Upon arrival, Whitehead admitted to having a diazepam tablet in the girl’s pocket, further claiming he thought it would help her feel better.

Judge Richardson QC emphasized the severity of Whitehead’s actions, stating, “You gave a 15-year-old girl this drug, and therefore deserve a prison sentence, but two months was excessive.” The court’s decision to halve the original sentence reflects a recognition of Whitehead’s prior convictions and the need for proportionate punishment.

In a related incident from April 2009, Whitehead was convicted in his absence of knowingly keeping a vulnerable teenager away from social services and guardians. Despite police warnings, he repeatedly allowed the boy, who had been in social care since 2001, to visit his home in Immingham. The court heard that the teenager, who had the emotional development of a much younger child, had been missing for extended periods, including a 24-day stretch, and had sustained injuries he refused to explain.

Whitehead’s history of offending, including a 1978 conviction for sexual activity with a minor, was again highlighted. Police found the boy at Whitehead’s residence multiple times, and each time, Whitehead dismissed police warnings and expressed defiance. On one occasion, he declared, “I will not change one iota what I will do. I will not be intimidated by anyone.”

He was ultimately sentenced to a one-month suspended prison term, coupled with an eight p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for two months, and ordered to pay costs of £60. District Judge Daniel Curtis underscored the importance of compliance with police and social services directives, stating, “You were warned by police not to involve yourself in keeping this boy in your house. There is no suggestion you have mistreated, molested, or touched this boy. I am dealing with your defiance in the face of the police and social services. You must do as you are told.”

Whitehead’s repeated disregard for authorities and his history of offending paint a troubling picture of a man who has shown little regard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable young people in the Immingham area.