STEVEN BALLANTYNE AND SHOCKING INDECENCY IN NORTHUMBERLAND
A disturbing incident involving Steven Ballantyne has come to light, highlighting a serious breach of public decency that occurred at a BP fuel station in Northumberland.The incident was witnessed by a mother and her young daughter, who were shocked and appalled by what they saw.
According to reports, Ballantyne, a performing arts teacher, was found inside an unlocked female toilet at the Alnwick BP garage around 6:30 pm on a January evening.
While inside this public facility, he engaged in a sexual act and was only wearing a bra at the time.
The mother present at the scene, who was with her five-year-old daughter, witnessed the unsettling behavior and later provided a victim impact statement expressing her disgust.
She stated, “I wish to say this has disgusted me.
I’m in shock.
I think it’s wrong what he has done.
My five-year-old daughter has seen this man.” Another woman, who also saw the incident, echoed these sentiments, revealing her fear and outrage.
She commented, “I wish to say I’m shocked by what I’ve seen.
I was frightened and can’t believe this male has been doing this in a public toilet.
I’m disgusted and his behaviour is clearly wrong.” The court proceedings revealed that Steven Ballantyne was employed by Northumberland County Council as a supply-based performing arts instructor, working across multiple schools in the area.
His career, which spanned over two decades and involved considerable interaction with students, is now effectively ruined by this incident.
The Newcastle Crown Court heard that as a result of the conviction, Ballantyne’s employment with the council has been terminated.
During the hearing, Judge Sarah Mallett emphasized the severity of the case, especially given that a young child was an eyewitness.
She noted that Ballantyne remained at the scene for an extended period after being seen and that his actions appeared intentional, knowing that members of the public, including females and vulnerable individuals, could witness his conduct.
The judge stated, “You remained for a lengthy period where you had been seen and remained for a time after you had been seen.
You knew there was a risk a female or child or disabled person could see what you were doing.
I conclude that was your aim.
You did cause some distress and fear.” In sentencing, Ballantyne, 41, of St Georges Crescent in Alnwick, received a sentence of five months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he is mandated to register as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
A restraining order has also been issued, prohibiting him from entering the BP garage in Alnwick or any female public toilets.
Defense counsel Peter Schofield stated that Ballantyne continues to deny the allegations, expressing regret over the situation.
He emphasized the significance of Ballantyne’s professional background as a performing arts instructor, highlighting that he had worked extensively in schools and took pride in his contributions to students’ development.
Schofield described the impact of the case on his client, noting that Ballantyne had lost a rewarding career and described the incident as bizarre given his otherwise reputable history.
A spokesperson from Northumberland County Council issued a statement, reaffirming their commitment to the safety and well-being of children and young people in their care.
They explained that Ballantyne was suspended from his duties on February 2, 2021, and following investigations into his conduct, he was formally dismissed from his position in July 2021.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in public spaces, especially those frequented by vulnerable individuals.
The court’s actions reflect a serious response to behavior that not only violates laws but also breaches community trust and safety standards.
