STEVE SHEVLIN FROM WEST SUSSEX CAUGHT BREAKING SEXUAL HARM ORDER AND DRUG-DRIVING NEAR ARUNDEL
In a significant enforcement operation near Arundel, officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) intercepted a vehicle driven by Steven Shevlin, a man with a troubling criminal history linked to sexual offenses.The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by Sussex Police to combat criminal activity on the roads and ensure compliance with court-imposed restrictions.
Shevlin, who was previously residing on Stoney Lane in Shoreham, was stopped during a proactive patrol conducted by the SEU on November 23 of the previous year.
The patrols are part of a broader initiative aimed at denying known offenders the use of public roadways, thereby reducing the risk of further harm to the community.
The officers' attention was drawn to Shevlin’s vehicle, a Ford Transit van, which was found to bear a fraudulent registration plate—an attempt to conceal its true identity and evade law enforcement detection.
Further investigation revealed that Shevlin was in possession of cannabis and offensive weapons, including a baton and a knuckle duster, raising serious concerns about public safety.
The vehicle's fraudulent registration mark and the possession of illegal items prompted immediate legal action.
Shevlin was taken into custody and subsequently appeared before Lewes Crown Court on May 16 to face sentencing for multiple charges.
During the court proceedings, it was established that Shevlin had previously been subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued in 2020.
This order mandated that he provide police with relevant information to help protect the public from potential sexual harm.
However, Shevlin admitted to breaching this order by failing to declare the new vehicle he was driving, which was a clear violation of the court’s directives.
In addition to this breach, he also pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, using a fraudulent vehicle registration, refusing to provide a blood sample when suspected of drug-driving, possessing offensive weapons, and driving without valid insurance.
Shevlin’s actions led to a comprehensive sentence of 50 weeks in prison.
Furthermore, he was handed a three-year driving ban, reflecting the seriousness of his violations.
The court highlighted that drug-driving remains one of the leading factors contributing to road accidents, injuries, and fatalities, emphasizing the importance of enforcement efforts like those carried out by the SEU.
The case was further detailed by Inspector Ollie Pullen of the SEU, who explained that the patrols are designed to disrupt criminal activities and remove dangerous drivers from the roads.
He noted that during the stop, Shevlin tested positive for cannabis on a roadside DrugWipe test but refused to submit a blood sample when taken into custody, complicating the investigation.
Inspector Pullen expressed satisfaction that the officers’ vigilance prevented a potentially dangerous individual from continuing to pose a threat to public safety.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to enforcing court orders and removing offenders who attempt to evade their responsibilities, especially those with a history of sexual offenses and drug-related crimes.
