SEAN STILLWELL CAUGHT IN MAESTEG POLICE STING INVOLVING SUSSEX CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation, Sean Stillwell, a resident of Maesteg, was caught in a police sting operation that originated from Sussex. The incident unfolded in March 2019 when Stillwell, aged 32, attempted to engage in inappropriate online communication with a supposed 13-year-old girl, known by the alias “Mia”.

Stillwell initiated contact through an internet chat room, where he expressed a disturbing sexual interest in young teenage girls. Under the guise of a teenage girl, “Mia” was actually an undercover officer from Sussex Police, tasked with identifying individuals seeking illegal sexual encounters with minors. The investigation revealed that Stillwell had developed a pattern of seeking out underage girls online, which ultimately led to his downfall.

During the course of the online exchanges, Stillwell, using the username Sean32, asked “Mia” about her age and was told she was 13. He then inquired about where he could meet her without attracting police attention. His messages also included questions about her school uniform and requests for sexual images of her. These messages demonstrated his clear intent to pursue a sexual encounter with a minor.

Further probing uncovered that Stillwell had been accessing and possessing a disturbing collection of illegal images. His computer contained numerous images classified as Category A, B, and C, depicting children as young as eight in sexually explicit scenarios. Additionally, investigators found that he had accessed 101 images of extreme pornography, including scenes involving animals, which are considered particularly heinous.

Following the investigation, Sussex Police arrested Stillwell and brought him before Hove Crown Court. The court heard that he had also stored these illicit images in inaccessible areas of his computer, indicating an attempt to conceal his activities. Prosecutor Edmund Blackman detailed the extent of Stillwell’s online activity, emphasizing the severity of his offenses.

Judge Christine Henson QC addressed the court, acknowledging the gravity of the case. She stated that typically, such offenses would warrant a prison sentence. However, considering the potential for rehabilitation and the measures proposed, she decided against immediate imprisonment. Instead, she imposed a community order combined with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that will be in effect for five years. The judge emphasized that the SHPO and the support from probation services could help Stillwell understand his behavior and prevent future offending.

As part of his sentence, Stillwell, of Roundstone Drive, East Preston, Littlehampton, was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also required to pay costs amounting to £1,443. Additionally, he must attend 34 sessions for sex offenders and participate in 20 rehabilitation sessions aimed at addressing his behavior.

Overall, this case underscores the importance of vigilant online policing and the ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation, even when offenders are located outside the immediate area of the investigation.