STEVEN BEECH FROM WEST BROMWICH SHOCKS CAMBRIDGESHIRE WITH POLICE CELL MOVE

In a development that has raised serious concerns about public safety, Steven Beech, a convicted sex offender originally from West Bromwich, has reportedly been moved to a police station in Cambridgeshire, where he is currently residing in a police cell. This follows a series of troubling incidents and legal actions spanning several years, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing individuals with a history of sexual offenses.

Beech, aged 38, has a criminal record that includes over 100 offenses, with his most notorious conviction dating back to 1992 when he was sentenced to nine years in prison at the Old Bailey for rape. After serving part of his sentence, he was released in 1998, but his criminal behavior continued to attract police attention. His latest placement in a police station in Cambridgeshire marks yet another chapter in his troubled history.

He was initially taken from Sheffield by officers from South Yorkshire Police on February 19, after being cleared by a court of breaching a Sex Offenders' Order. Beech had previously been living in Ipswich, where he was held in a police station for ten days due to concerns about his potential danger to women. During his time in Ipswich, he was under 24-hour police supervision but was allowed to come and go freely from the premises.

Originally from West Bromwich, Beech was subjected to a landmark legal restriction in October 2000 when a district judge at Liverpool Magistrates Court imposed a Sex Offenders' Order against him. This order, the first of its kind in the area, prohibited him from living with a woman without the written consent of the chief constable, and from assaulting, attempting to assault, or threatening women. It also banned him from using threatening, abusive, or insulting language towards women and from being intoxicated outside any residence. The order was granted indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the perceived risk he posed.

Despite these restrictions, Beech's movements and behavior have continued to draw police scrutiny. In August 2000, authorities placed him under 24-hour surveillance following his release from a Liverpool prison, where he had been incarcerated for his latest conviction—his 115th sex offense. The police sought a highly unusual restraining order to prevent him from approaching any woman in Britain, but the application was delayed until October due to court scheduling conflicts. Beech contested the order, which was expected to be reviewed over a four-day hearing.

His criminal history also includes a recent conviction for affray, which involved frightening two elderly women in Liverpool city center. Additionally, he completed an eight-year prison sentence last year for the rape of a 70-year-old housekeeper of a priest. His deportation from Australia 15 years ago further complicates his case, as he has been involved in various incidents across different countries.

As of now, it remains unclear where Beech will be transferred after his stay in the Cambridgeshire police station, making it difficult for authorities to monitor his movements. A police spokeswoman confirmed that he is being held at a police station in the county but refused to disclose the specific location. The ongoing legal and security measures underscore the persistent concerns surrounding Beech's potential to reoffend, prompting calls for continued vigilance and strict supervision.