HAVERHILL MAN STEVEN MASON ADDED TO SEX OFFENDER REGISTER AFTER ONLINE PREDATION ATTEMPT

In a case that has raised serious concerns about online safety and the risks posed by internet predators, Steven Mason, a 24-year-old resident of Haverhill, was found guilty of attempting to solicit indecent images from what he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The incident came to light after police investigations into Mason's computer activities in September of the previous year, revealing disturbing evidence of his online communications.

According to court reports, authorities examined Mason’s computer, which was located at his residence on Wortham Place in Haverhill. The investigation uncovered a series of exchanges between Mason and an individual he believed to be a young girl, outside the United Kingdom. Prosecutor Robert Sadd explained that Mason had engaged in multiple conversations with this supposed minor, attempting to persuade her to send explicit images of herself. The court was told that Mason’s actions demonstrated a clear intent to incite sexual activity involving a minor, despite the fact that the true identity and age of his online correspondent remain unknown.

During the hearing, Mr. Sadd emphasized the danger Mason posed by engaging in such conduct, noting that Mason was aware or should have been aware that the individual he was communicating with could have been a child. Mason’s guilty plea to the charge of attempting to incite sexual activity with a child was accepted by the court. His defense attorney, Jacob Edwards, pointed out that Mason had not committed any further offenses since his arrest and highlighted the unusual nature of the case, given that there was no face-to-face contact and uncertainty about the true identity of the online contact.

Judge John Devaux, presiding over the case at Ipswich Crown Court, delivered a stern sentence. He stated that Mason had attempted to persuade the individual to engage in indecent touching and to send explicit images, actions that constitute serious criminal behavior. The judge noted the difficulty in establishing the true nature of the online interaction but emphasized the potential harm involved.

As part of his sentence, Mason was subjected to a three-year community order. This order requires him to remain under supervision by the Probation Service and to participate in 160 sessions with the Thames Valley Sex Offender Group Programme. Additionally, Mason’s computer was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed to prevent further misuse. The court also mandated that Mason sign the Sexual Offences Register for five years, effectively monitoring his activities and whereabouts. Furthermore, Mason was prohibited from working with children and was ordered to pay £350 towards the costs incurred by the prosecution.

In conclusion, this case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online predation and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Mason’s actions, though not resulting in physical contact, have led to significant legal consequences, including his placement on the sex offender register and restrictions on his future employment and activities involving minors.