STEVE ALLEN OF WESTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In June 2019, a man from Weston named Steven Allen was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing crimes involving a young girl and the possession of indecent images of children. Allen, aged 60 and residing on Arundell Road in Weston, was found to have engaged in highly inappropriate and illegal communications concerning a five-year-old girl, which led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

According to court records, Allen had contacted the father of the young girl via WhatsApp, where he discussed plans to meet and commit sexual assault against the child. This conversation revealed a disturbing intent and a willingness to harm a vulnerable minor. The authorities acted swiftly upon discovering these messages, which were part of a broader investigation into Allen’s activities.

Further investigations uncovered that Allen had a significant collection of indecent images of children stored on multiple devices, including his iPhone, laptop, and external hard drive. A total of over 160 such images were recovered, with 43 of these classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency. These images were accessed over a period spanning from September 2017 to April 2018, highlighting a sustained pattern of illegal activity.

In addition to the visual material, intelligence gathered from Allen’s internet service provider revealed that he had conducted online searches related to the sexual abuse of toddlers, including phrases such as ‘rape of toddlers,’ ‘kiddies under age,’ and ‘60-year-old and baby.’ These searches underscored the disturbing nature of his online interests and intentions.

During a police search of Allen’s electronic devices, officers discovered a conversation with another individual who expressed a desire to ‘enjoy’ sexual contact involving Allen’s own daughter. This conversation further confirmed Allen’s dangerous inclinations and the potential risk he posed to children.

At Bristol Crown Court, Judge Mark Horton sentenced Allen to eight months in prison. Additionally, Allen was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, restricting his activities and contact with minors. The judge condemned Allen’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses and the deception involved in his outward appearance of honesty and integrity. Judge Horton stated that Allen was part of a growing problem of men who hide their true nature behind a facade of respectability while secretly engaging in the most heinous acts against children.

He described Allen’s viewing of sexual abuse material as a source of personal gratification and condemned his promotion of an industry that causes irreparable harm to young victims. The court also ordered Allen to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and imposed a barring order to prevent him from working with children or vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, his electronic devices, including his laptop and phone, were confiscated and ordered to be destroyed to prevent further misuse.

Judge Horton’s stern sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children, especially when committed by individuals who attempt to conceal their predatory behavior behind a veneer of respectability.