PETER FRY AND PETER STAINTON: SHOCKING CRIMES IN GRIMSBY, LOUTH, AND SUNDERLAND

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Peter Fry and Peter Stainton, both from the North East region, have been involved in serious criminal activities that have shocked communities in Grimsby, Louth, and Sunderland.

In March 2017, Peter Stainton, aged 27, of Northgate, Louth, was sentenced to two years in prison at Lincoln Crown Court for a pattern of repeated breaches of court orders designed to restrict his contact with children. The court heard that Stainton had created a false Facebook account under the alias Mike Bateman, which he used to befriend single mothers. Despite being twice previously jailed for breaching a sexual offences prevention order, he continued to violate the conditions set by the court.

Stainton was explicitly banned from visiting any residence where children were present. However, he repeatedly disregarded this restriction by visiting young mothers at their homes while their children were inside. His violations extended to failing to notify police of his use of an alias, which was a direct breach of his obligations on the sex offenders’ register. The court was informed that he used the name Mike Bateman on Facebook, and his activities only came to light after a young mother, with whom he had become friendly, grew uneasy and conducted an internet search.

The woman discovered information about Stainton’s true identity and was reportedly so distressed that she felt physically sick. She stated she would not have allowed his advances had she known of his criminal history. Stainton admitted to four charges of breaching a sexual offences prevention order, with incidents occurring in August 2016, December 2016, and January 2017 at addresses in Lincoln, Louth, and Ulceby. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements by not informing Lincolnshire Police of his use of an alias.

Judge Simon Hirst described Stainton as having a “narcissistic personality” and warned him that the court’s orders are in place to prevent him from having any contact with children. The judge emphasized that Stainton’s previous conviction in 2008 for sexual activity with a child was the reason for these restrictions. He cautioned that continued disregard for these orders would lead to longer sentences and further legal consequences.

Meanwhile, in December 2014, another disturbing case emerged involving Peter Stainton, then 25, of Tintern Walk, Grimsby. He was convicted of failing to disclose his true identity on a dating website and engaging in a sexual relationship with a woman he met online. The court heard that Stainton had previously been jailed for two years in May 2008 for sexual activity with a child and false imprisonment, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.

Stainton had initially concealed his identity by using the name Jamie when signing into a bail hostel in Scunthorpe and later posted a profile under the name Pete on an online dating platform. He began a romantic relationship with a woman, exchanging messages and meeting in person, including engaging in sexual activity at her home in July. When questioned about his surname, he was evasive but eventually provided the alias Harrison. The woman’s friend recognized Stainton’s photograph from previous media coverage of his criminal convictions, which led to the confrontation.

The court was told that Stainton’s failure to notify authorities of his true identity was a breach of his legal obligations. His actions were deemed “flagrant” and part of a pattern of deliberate non-compliance. The threats and abusive messages he sent to the woman further highlighted his reckless disregard for the law and her safety. Judge David Tremberg sentenced him to 16 months in prison, condemning his “deliberate choice” to ignore his responsibilities and continue offending.

In another case from April 2013, Stainton, then 23, of Tintern Walk, Grimsby, was jailed for 16 months after ignoring a court order to register his details. He had previously been convicted in May 2008 for sexual activity with a child and false imprisonment. Despite the court’s directives, he failed to inform police of his addresses in Bentley Street, Cleethorpes, and Eagle Road, Swinderby, between 2008 and 2012, and also failed to report two bank accounts. His arrogance and repeated violations demonstrated a blatant disregard for legal restrictions.

Adding to his criminal record, Stainton was also banned from driving for a year after admitting to driving without insurance and leaving the scene after attempting to evade payment for diesel on October 31. His history of offending and non-compliance underscores a troubling pattern of behavior that has persisted over many years, causing significant concern among law enforcement and the public alike.

In a particularly serious incident from December 2010, Peter Fry, then 18 and from Seaburn Park, Sunderland, was given bail after being arrested for having sex with an underage girl. While on bail, Fry moved in with the girl in Crook, County Durham, and during this period, he subjected her to a terrifying ordeal. Fry had previously broken into his parents’ flat in Barnard Castle and engaged in sexual activity with the girl, who was only 15 at the time, despite knowing her age.

On December 11, Fry’s behavior escalated when he had a heated argument with the girl over her computer use, which culminated in him holding her captive in her home and physically assaulting her. He locked all the doors, placed a sofa against one, and smashed her mobile phone to prevent her from seeking help. The girl managed to escape and called the police from a nearby phone box after Fry’s friend knocked on the door and was allowed inside.

Fry’s violent actions included putting the girl in a headlock and threatening to harm her bank cards unless she revealed her computer password. His actions demonstrated a pattern of violent and manipulative behavior. Fry, now 19 and residing in Sunderland, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child and false imprisonment. The court sentenced him to three years in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his conduct and the danger he posed to others.

These cases collectively highlight the ongoing issues surrounding sexual offenders in the North East, with multiple convictions, breaches of court orders, and manipulative behaviors coming to light over the years. The judicial system continues to impose strict sentences to protect the community from individuals like Peter Fry and Peter Stainton, whose actions have caused significant harm and distress to their victims and the wider public.