STOKE SEX OFFENDER LUCIFA STEELE CAUGHT IN THE SAME ROOM AS CHILD DURING POLICE VISIT

In a disturbing incident in Stoke, police officers apprehended convicted sex offender Lucifa Steele in a situation that raised serious concerns about public safety and his compliance with legal restrictions. The event unfolded in January 2019 when law enforcement officials visited Steele’s residence following reports of an altercation involving another man. During their visit, officers discovered Steele in the same room as a young child, an alarming breach of the conditions set upon him by the court.

Lucifa Steele, aged 27 at the time, had previously been convicted of sexual activity with an eight-year-old girl. As part of his sentence, he was explicitly prohibited from being in the company of children and was mandated to inform police of any change of address within three days of moving. Despite these legal obligations, Steele failed to notify authorities after relocating to a new home late in the previous year.

The police, responding to the incident, visited Steele’s new residence following an incident involving another man. During their investigation, they observed Steele in the same room as a child, which was a clear violation of his legal restrictions. The court was informed that the child’s mother was unaware of Steele’s past criminal record. She admitted that she might have been unaware that her child was in Steele’s presence that night, and she expressed that she never had any concerns about him. She described Steele and his partner as being “simply showing her genuine kindness,” highlighting a lack of suspicion on her part.

Prosecutor Sue Hayers explained that Steele had moved house late last year but neglected to inform the police of his new address within the required timeframe. She also noted that police were called to the residence due to an incident involving Steele and another man, which led to the discovery of Steele’s presence with a child in the same room.

Steele, who resides on Windsmoor Street in Stoke, pleaded guilty to two charges: failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders’ register and breaching his 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The court heard that Steele’s actions constituted a serious breach of the restrictions imposed upon him.

In sentencing, Steele was given a 12-month community order, which includes a requirement to participate in a rehabilitation activity for 30 days at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. Additionally, he was fined £120, ordered to pay £185 in costs, and faced an £85 surcharge. The case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring convicted sex offenders and ensuring public safety in communities like Stoke.