STEPHEN BOYD GATESHEAD PERVERT CAUGHT LOOKING AT YOUNG GIRLS IN GYMNASTIC POSES DURING BIBLE STUDIES

In April 2014, Stephen Boyd, a man with a troubling criminal history, was found to be involved in activities that raised serious concerns about his conduct and adherence to court restrictions. Boyd, who resides in the Gateshead area, had previously been convicted in 2004 of possessing 27 indecent images of children, a conviction that marked him as a known sex offender. As part of the conditions imposed following his conviction, Boyd was explicitly banned from using a computer unless it was strictly for work-related purposes.

Despite these restrictions, police officers conducted a routine check at his Tyneside residence and discovered that Boyd possessed an Android tablet computer. When questioned, Boyd claimed that he used the device solely for downloading religious study materials related to his Bible studies. Although the police found no illegal images on the tablet, they did uncover evidence that Boyd had been viewing videos of young girls performing gymnastic routines on YouTube. This activity was particularly troubling because it constituted a breach of the sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) that Boyd was under, marking the third time he had violated such restrictions.

Boyd, who was 54 years old at the time and had no fixed address but was known to live in Gateshead, faced the court with these allegations. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Boyd was actively involved in a local church, where he volunteered his time. The church’s pastor even submitted a letter to the court in support of Boyd, describing his involvement and character.

During the proceedings, Recorder Ben Nolan QC addressed the court, remarking on Boyd’s religious activities. He stated, “I don’t suppose the Bible studies have much to do with girls in gymnastic poses.” The judge then acknowledged the letter from the church pastor, noting that Boyd had shown the pastor his sex offender registration form and had invited him to verify that he was not involved with children or youths. The court was also told that the tablet Boyd possessed did not contain any illegal images, which the judge found to be a positive factor.

Nevertheless, the court was informed that Boyd had, at some point, viewed images of young girls in gymnastic poses, although these images were not classified as illegal. The police had visited Boyd in August as part of routine checks on convicted offenders. During the interview, Boyd maintained that his use of the tablet was solely for religious and biblical studies. However, forensic examination of the device revealed that videos of young girls in gymnastic poses had indeed been viewed on it, raising concerns about his compliance with the restrictions.

Prosecutor Nick Lane explained that Boyd’s history included previous convictions for possessing indecent images and failing to notify authorities of a change in circumstances on the sex offender register. Specifically, Boyd was convicted in 2004, again in 2007 for failing to update his registration details, and in 2010 for possessing indecent images on his phone.

In mitigation, Boyd’s defense lawyer, Lee Fish, admitted that his client had breached the conditions of his SOPO but emphasized that Boyd’s primary purpose for owning the computer was to pursue his religious studies. Fish stated, “His primary motivation for owning the computer was in the pursuit of Biblical Studies.” Ultimately, Boyd was sentenced to a suspended prison term, reflecting the court’s recognition of his religious involvement and the absence of illegal material on his device, but also acknowledging the seriousness of his breaches and the need for supervision.