SCUNTHORPE PAEDOPHILE VOYEUR STEVEN SHIPP AVOIDS PRISON DESPITE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY FINDINGS

In May 2022, authorities uncovered disturbing evidence against Steven Shipp, a resident of Scunthorpe, who was found to possess indecent images and engage in inappropriate communication involving minors. Despite the severity of his actions, Shipp, aged 43 and residing at Melford Court in Scunthorpe, managed to avoid immediate imprisonment after admitting to serious offences in a court hearing at Grimsby Crown Court.

Prosecutor Andrew Semple detailed that Shipp had previously been cautioned for voyeurism, specifically for using binoculars to spy on a 14-year-old girl’s bedroom. This prior incident underscored a troubling pattern of voyeuristic behavior. The recent investigation, supported by intelligence from the National Crime Agency and carried out by Humberside Police, revealed that Shipp was actively using his mobile phone to communicate with minors. The offences spanned from November 2019 to September 2020, during which authorities executed a search at his residence, a property he shares with his wife of three years.

Analysis of Shipp’s Samsung Galaxy phone uncovered a disturbing collection of digital material. The device contained 283 indecent images along with several videos. Further examination revealed that Shipp had installed an application that enabled him to watch others playing video games on computers, including boys aged 12 and 13. Evidence showed that he used his phone’s camera to pan from the computer screen to focus on the young boys, with whom he communicated. During these interactions, Shipp expressed disturbing fantasies, including one where he claimed to share a fantasy of being in a school shower with a minor.

When questioned after his arrest, Shipp admitted to finding boys and girls attractive, further confirming his inappropriate interests. The court heard that his communications were targeted towards a 13-year-old boy, with the intent of engaging in sexual conversations and exchanging explicit images. Judge Michael Fanning described Shipp’s behavior as indicative of “a worrying obsession with children,” emphasizing the harm caused by such conduct. The judge pointed out the dangers of such interactions, noting that children of that age are still developing sexually and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

While Shipp pleaded guilty early in the proceedings, the judge clarified that he was not bound by sentencing guidelines. Ultimately, he was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended within that period. As part of his rehabilitation, Shipp is required to attend the Horizon programme and participate in 30 days of community-based activities organized by probation services. Additionally, he must complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.

To further protect the public, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting ten years. This order prohibits any contact with minors and grants police the authority to monitor his internet activity, ensuring he does not re-engage in similar conduct. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like Steven Shipp.