STEVEN CARRIE FROM NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME AND STOKE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about online child exploitation, Steven Carrie, a man with connections to Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke, was subject to a lengthy investigation before his eventual arrest and conviction. Despite police receiving intelligence about Carrie as early as April 2019, it took approximately a year before authorities took formal action against him, allowing him to continue accessing and viewing some of the most disturbing child sex images during that period.

Police had been made aware of Carrie’s activities in 2019, and the information was passed to the specialized team responsible for investigating online child abuse. However, it was not until around April 2020 that officers executed an arrest and conducted a detailed interview with him. This delay has been scrutinized, especially given the severity of his offences and the volume of illicit material involved.

Last week, Carrie, aged 44, appeared in Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to face the charges against him. He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of voyeurism, and an additional charge related to possessing images depicting bestiality. The court was informed that Carrie possessed a staggering total of 4,281 images classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe and disturbing category of child abuse material.

Prosecutor Anthony Longworth detailed to the court that when police officers visited Carrie’s residence, they discovered indecent images stored on his mobile phone. During the search, they seized eight electronic devices, including phones and possibly tablets or computers. Among the evidence was a folder labeled ‘jazz guide,’ which contained graphic descriptions of offending against young children, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his material.

At the time of his offending, Carrie was living in Newcastle, but he has since moved to Campbell Road in Stoke. His defense lawyer, Rob Holt, emphasized that Carrie had no prior criminal convictions. Holt expressed confusion over the delay in police action, stating, “I can’t account for why it took 12 months for police to act on the intelligence they had. It seems to be that there was a 12-month delay … a further 12 months of offending.”

In sentencing, Judge Mr. Justice Edward Pepperall handed Carrie a prison term of 32 months. Additionally, he imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits Carrie from residing in any household where females under the age of 16 are present, aiming to prevent further harm and protect potential victims.

The investigation into Carrie’s activities was part of a broader effort by authorities to combat online child exploitation. However, the unit responsible, known as Operation Safenet, has faced criticism for its slow response times and operational weaknesses. An inspection in 2022 revealed significant issues, including staff shortages and inadequate risk assessment procedures. The 2021/22 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report highlighted that the team was understaffed, leading to case backlogs and delays in action.

The report warned that many referrals waited several months before being addressed, increasing the risk of harm to children. It also noted that the force lacked a robust process for reviewing intelligence on suspects to identify high-risk cases promptly. This deficiency could result in missed opportunities to safeguard children and prevent further offending. The report concluded that the Safenet team was operating with insufficient staffing levels, limiting its capacity to manage warrants, arrests, searches, seizures, and interviews effectively. The backlog and limited resilience posed ongoing risks to vulnerable children, underscoring the need for improved resources and procedures within the force.