CHARLIE STEINE RAMSGATE SEX OFFENDER SHARES COURT SELFIES AFTER SPARING JAIL TIME IN CRIMINAL CASE

In October 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Charlie Steine, a known sex offender from Ramsgate, who publicly displayed a blatant disregard for the seriousness of his recent legal proceedings. Shortly after being sentenced in Canterbury Crown Court, Steine took to social media to share selfies taken during his court appearance, an act that not only demonstrated poor judgment but also potentially violated legal restrictions on his conduct.

Steine, aged 23, had appeared before the court to face charges related to the sexual assault of a teenage boy in Ramsgate. During the hearing last Friday, Judge Mark Weekes acknowledged the victim and his parent’s display of understanding and insight into Steine’s behavior, which occurred on June 25 of the previous year. Despite the gravity of the case, Steine was handed a suspended sentence, a decision that drew both relief and criticism.

Prosecutor Suzanne Fewins detailed the disturbing sequence of events leading to Steine’s conviction. She explained that the teenage victim, who had previously seen Steine begging in Ramsgate, was approached by him asking for 20p. The conversation then took a troubling turn as Steine inquired about the boy’s sexuality and asked him to rate his appearance. The victim, feeling uncomfortable but hesitant to offend, responded with a “Six out of 10.”

According to the court records, Steine then asked for a hug, which he proceeded to give the victim. During this contact, he began kissing the boy’s neck and engaged in inappropriate behavior. The victim described feeling frozen and unsure of how to react, and when he tried to walk away, Steine followed him, attempting to obtain his Snapchat details. The victim expressed feeling worried and repeatedly shouted “no” as he tried to escape the situation, ultimately wanting to get home.

The incident was reported to the police, and CCTV footage led to Steine’s arrest eleven days later at his grandmother’s residence. During police interviews, Steine claimed he could not recall the events of that day and denied any sexual intent, asserting he was not gay and would not have kissed the boy. Despite these claims, Steine later pleaded guilty to the charges on the first day of his trial in July.

His sentencing resulted in an 18-month jail term, suspended for two years, along with requirements for 20 rehabilitation activity sessions and a 12-month drug rehabilitation program. Additionally, Steine is mandated to register as a sex offender for ten years. As he left the court, he expressed gratitude to the judge, but his actions following the sentencing revealed a troubling attitude. Earlier that day, he posted on Facebook indicating he was at court, and when questioned about his presence, he responded sarcastically about the justice system. Later, he shared selfies taken inside and outside Canterbury Crown Court, including a caption with a laughing emoji and the comment, “Crown court for the 7th time this year.”

Furthermore, Steine’s social media activity included a post where he referred to himself as a “very bad naughty druggy boy,” claiming he had changed significantly. Just days before, he had uploaded a video in which he challenged someone to a fight, shouting, “Come here now and scrap me d***head,” indicating ongoing issues with anger and behavior. This pattern of conduct raises serious concerns about his rehabilitation and the potential risk he poses to the community in Ramsgate and beyond.