COLCHESTER MAN DAVID STEALEY SENTENCED FOR GROOMING A GIRL

COLCHESTER MAN DAVID STEALEY SENTENCED FOR GROOMING A GIRL

In September 2012, a man from Colchester was sentenced after grooming a teenage girl online.

The court heard that David Stealey, aged 52, took the girl to a hotel room and attempted to undo her trousers.

Judge Rupert Overbury stated, “There was sufficient evidence of grooming that makes your behaviour somewhat disturbing.” When the girl rejected his advances in the hotel room, Stealey drove her home.

However, on the return journey in his car, he briefly placed his hand on her thigh and attempted to hold her hand.

Judge Overbury noted that Stealey had been assessed as high risk for reoffending unless his sexual attitudes changed.

The judge emphasized that the public would be best protected by imposing a three-year community order, during which Stealey must attend the Thames Valley Sex Offenders’ Programme—a comprehensive initiative aimed at preventing future offences.

Stealey, who has spent 141 days in custody, will also be required to live at a location specified by his probation officer during the duration of this order.

Furthermore, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed to restrict his future use of the internet and contact with girls under 16.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register.

Stealey, of Defoe Crescent, Colchester, admitted to two charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child.