STEPHEN BERRY JAIL SENTENCE IN ROSSENDALE AND PRESTON HIGHLIGHTS OFFENDER'S PAST INFLUENCE

In April 2015, Stephen Berry, a 34-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being found guilty of breaching court orders intended to keep him away from children. Berry, currently serving his fifth prison term, was branded a ‘manipulator’ by the judge for concealing his past convictions, and authorities were urged to consider additional measures to restrict his movements once his 10-year sexual offences prevention order expires in December.

A mother-of-three, who had known Berry since their teenage years, had become friendly with him, and he would occasionally assist with chores around her house in Rossendale. Kimberley Obrusik, prosecuting, explained that Berry even babysat for the family on occasion. Unbeknownst to the mother and her children, Berry was convicted in October 2001 of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 16 and of indecent assault offenses.

Miss Obrusik further stated that Berry had also been convicted in November 2002 of possessing indecent photographs, and he was placed on a sexual offences prevention order by Chorley magistrates in December 2005. One of the key conditions of this order was that he was not permitted to have unsupervised contact with anyone under 16.

Evidence revealed that Berry had also visited a house where a child lived with their mother, without disclosing his criminal background. During the hearing, Jane Dagnall, Berry’s defense lawyer, said probation officers described him as a ‘manipulator’ who attempted to conceal his past. She acknowledged that Berry possessed problem-solving skills but also noted that he did not always understand the full consequences of his actions.

Dagnall explained that Berry had moved to Bacup after fearing for his safety in Preston due to previous convictions, and emphasized that no sexual assault offenses had been committed in this instance, and that Berry had pleaded guilty. She requested leniency, stating, “He had moved to Bacup after a previous conviction had led him to fear for his safety in the Preston area. There were no actual sexual assault offences committed and he did plead guilty so I ask for credit for that.”

Judge Simon Newell addressed the court, saying, “If you are in contact with people then you have to tell them what the situation is. It has to be for your benefit and the benefit of society at large.” He also expressed hope that authorities would consider applying for further preventative measures once Berry’s sexual offences prevention order concludes in December.

Meanwhile, in June 2012, Berry, then 32 and residing in Preston, was jailed for six months at Preston Magistrates Court for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by staying overnight in a house with an infant present. Berry, who had previous convictions for sex crimes and possession of indecent images, was prohibited from staying in any property with individuals under 16.

A police operation traced him to County Durham, where it was confirmed that Berry had stayed overnight in a house with a one-year-old child present. Detective Inspector Paul Burnside of the Public Protection Unit condemned the breach: “The flagrant violation of conditions that were imposed to protect the public by Berry was unacceptable. The constabulary and specifically my unit will continue to actively robustly manage offenders of this nature.”