JAY STEWART FROM STAINING SENTENCED FOR LIFE AFTER ABUSING YOUNG BOYS NEAR BLACKPOOL AND GARSTANG

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Staining, Blackpool, and the surrounding areas near Garstang, Jay Stewart has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses against young boys. Stewart, who also went by the name John Stuart McGowan, was found guilty of multiple charges after a detailed investigation that uncovered years of abuse spanning over a decade.

Stewart, a 54-year-old resident of Bibby Drive in Staining, exploited his image as a devoted family man to establish trust with vulnerable children and their families. Over the years, he befriended families and offered to host their children at his home in Staining, creating opportunities to carry out his criminal acts. His methodical approach allowed him to target boys aged between nine and 13, with the abuse occurring over an extended period, often involving drugging some of his victims to incapacitate them.

The investigation revealed that Stewart’s criminal activities began as early as 1999, with the abuse continuing into recent years. Authorities uncovered evidence that he had created numerous opportunities to commit these offenses, which were carried out regularly and systematically. The case came to light after concerns were raised about a 14-year-old boy Stewart had befriended in 2010, prompting the Blackpool Police’s Awaken team, which specializes in tackling child sexual exploitation, to launch an in-depth inquiry.

During the three-week trial at Preston Crown Court, prosecutors presented compelling evidence that led to Stewart’s conviction on six counts of rape, 11 counts of indecent assault, eight counts of indecency with children, and 11 counts of sexual activity with a minor. He was acquitted of 10 other charges, including one allegation of raping a third boy. Stewart’s accomplice, 23-year-old Adam Patfield of Enfield Road, Blackpool, was also convicted of intimidating one of the victims by threatening to kill him if he reported the abuse. Patfield received a two-year prison sentence and was subject to a restraining order.

Stewart’s criminal conduct was further compounded by threats made to his victims. He and Patfield boasted about having killed people before and even ghoulishly claimed to have buried bodies at Beacon Fell, near Garstang. These threats were intended to silence the victims and prevent them from coming forward.

Following his conviction, Stewart appeared before Burnley Crown Court, where he was sentenced to an indeterminate term for public protection. The court ordered that he serve a minimum of 11 years and 270 days before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Stewart was mandated to register as a sex offender and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity. His actions have left a lasting impact on the victims, who demonstrated remarkable courage in giving evidence during the trial.

Detective Constable Shaun Pepper from Blackpool Police expressed his condemnation of Stewart’s actions, emphasizing the danger he posed to vulnerable young boys. He praised the victims for their bravery and highlighted the importance of the police’s efforts in bringing Stewart to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures against sexual predators operating within communities near Blackpool and Garstang.