STEPHEN BEARDWOOD FROM KIRBY ESCAPES PRISON AFTER ONLINE GROOMING SCANDAL IN NORTH

In a recent case that has drawn significant attention, Stephen George Beardwood, a resident of Kirby, was identified as a perpetrator involved in the online grooming of multiple children. The disturbing activities came to light thanks to the diligent efforts of the online child protection team known as the Guardians of the North, who uncovered evidence of Beardwood’s inappropriate conduct.

Beardwood appeared in court on February 17, 2017, to face sentencing for his actions. The court decided on a sentence that, while severe in its implications, notably avoided immediate imprisonment. He was given a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time in prison unless he committed another offence within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Beardwood was placed under a 12-month supervision order, requiring him to regularly report to authorities and adhere to certain conditions aimed at monitoring and rehabilitating him. Furthermore, he was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation, a program designed to address his behavior and prevent future offending.

As part of his ongoing legal obligations, Beardwood was also mandated to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, ensuring that his details remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of child protection teams in North to combat online abuse and hold offenders accountable, even when the legal system opts for measures short of incarceration.