TREVER LANCASTER FROM HODDESDON INVOLVED IN SHOCKING INCIDENT IN WARE CHURCH AND POLICE RAID

In December 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Trevor Lancaster, a 46-year-old resident of Amwell Street, Hoddesdon, who was implicated in a serious criminal matter in Ware. Lancaster, who served as a youth leader at a local church, was found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct with a 15-year-old schoolgirl, raising significant concerns about safeguarding and community safety.

According to court proceedings at St Albans, Lancaster had developed an infatuation with the teenage girl, which led to a series of inappropriate messages of a sexual nature sent from July of the previous year. The situation escalated when Lancaster took the girl to his home, an incident that was ultimately exposed when a family member discovered them both in a state of undress. This discovery prompted immediate action from the family and the authorities.

Following the incident, both the church authorities and police were notified. During a subsequent police search of Lancaster’s residence, officers uncovered a firearm—specifically, an unlicensed shotgun—raising additional concerns about safety and legal compliance. Lancaster was subsequently questioned and admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor, as well as possessing a firearm without the necessary licensing or certification.

In light of these findings, Lancaster was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to remain under the supervision of the probation service for the same duration. As part of his rehabilitation and to prevent further offenses, he is also mandated to complete a sex offenders treatment programme. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed, explicitly prohibiting Lancaster from having unsupervised access to children under the age of 16.

Regarding the firearms offence, Lancaster received a sentence of four months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period. This case highlights the serious nature of the offences committed and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community organizations to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.