KEVIN STEPHENS FROM BLINDLEY HEATH EXPOSED AS SEX OFFENDER IN REDHILL AND SENT TO COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Redhill, Kevin Stephens, a 45-year-old man from Blindley Heath, has been publicly identified as a convicted sex offender after his past was uncovered by investigative reporting. The revelation came to light when the Surrey Mirror published photographs that linked Stephens to inappropriate conduct involving children, ultimately leading to legal action against him.

Kevin Stephens, who has been unemployed, appeared before Redhill Magistrates Court on a Monday to face charges of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order was originally issued by Truro Crown Court in 2003, following his conviction for serious offenses involving indecent images. Despite the legal restrictions placed upon him, Stephens had continued to violate the terms of his order, which included prohibitions on accessing internet chat rooms and social networking sites, as well as restrictions on being in the company of children unless accompanied by a guardian who was aware of his convictions.

The court proceedings revealed that Stephens had been found guilty of possessing and creating approximately 200 indecent photographs, a crime that led to his sentencing by Truro Crown Court in 2003. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register any address where he stayed for more than seven days and to inform authorities if he was away from his registered residence. However, the evidence presented showed that Stephens had accessed Facebook and failed to notify police of his whereabouts when he was away from his registered address in Blindley Heath.

Photographs taken by the Surrey Mirror last year, which depicted Stephens with children, were used as evidence in the case. These images, taken during the course of reporting on another story, were instrumental in establishing his breach of the court order. The prosecution argued that Stephens had violated the conditions of his release and the restrictions imposed by the Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

During the hearing, Deputy District Judge Richard Clews committed the case to Guildford Crown Court for sentencing, where Stephens could face a custodial sentence. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to monitor and manage the behavior of registered sex offenders. Detective Inspector Andy Pope, who heads the public protection risk management unit, emphasized the importance of safeguarding residents. He stated, “Protecting residents is our paramount concern. We closely monitor and manage the behaviour of Registered Sex Offenders and their adherence to prison licence or Sexual Offences Prevention Order conditions. As we’ve shown, anyone breaching these conditions will be brought before the courts.”

Kevin Stephens’ father, Terrence Stephens, aged 72 and residing in Redhill, expressed his shock and dismay upon learning of his son’s convictions. He stated that he was completely unaware of Kevin’s criminal history until approached by the Mirror. Terrence publicly disowned Kevin, saying, “Oh my God. He lied to me. He lied to everyone. I wasn’t aware of any of this. I hope he’s sent to prison.” He also issued a stark warning, adding, “He’d better not show his face in Redhill again.” The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in dealing with individuals who have a history of sexual offenses, and the importance of vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations.