STEPHEN BROMFIELD FROM GARLINGE AND MARGATE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has sparked outrage among his victims, 54-year-old Stephen Bromfield, a man known for his carpet cleaning business in Garlinge and Margate, was spared immediate imprisonment despite admitting to multiple serious sex offences. The incident took place at Canterbury Crown Court, where Judge Adele Williams handed down a sentence that many feel was too lenient given the nature of Bromfield's crimes.

During the hearing, Bromfield pleaded guilty to charges including indecent assault, sexual activity with a minor, and indecent exposure. The court was informed that his misconduct involved groping a teenage girl, exposing himself to her, and asking her to show him her breasts. These actions caused significant distress to the victims, some of whom continue to suffer emotional trauma.

Despite the gravity of his admissions, Judge Williams decided to impose a three-year community order rather than a custodial sentence. As part of this sentence, Bromfield was ordered to undertake a course aimed at addressing his sexual behavior issues. Additionally, he was placed under a strict curfew from 7 pm to 7 am for three months and was ordered to pay £800 in legal costs.

Furthermore, Bromfield, who was previously associated with the Big For Men clothing shop in Margate, was subjected to a Sex Offences Prevention Order. This order explicitly prohibits him from working in any capacity where he might come into contact with children under the age of 16, reflecting concerns about his potential risk to minors.

During the sentencing, Judge Williams was critical of Bromfield’s claims that he was a victim in this situation. She dismissed his assertions as absurd, emphasizing that his behavior was that of a sexual predator. The judge pointed out that Bromfield’s actions had directly caused harm to his victims and that he had ignored their alarm and distress.

It was revealed that Bromfield’s conduct worsened after his wife began experiencing health issues. On one occasion, at a caravan in Monkton, he attempted to grope a woman to whom he had sent explicit text messages. The woman responded by kicking him and slapping his face. In another incident, he asked a teenage girl to show him her breasts. Initially, Bromfield denied the allegations, claiming his victims were lying, but he later admitted that their accusations were true.

The court also heard that Bromfield had attempted to take his own life by consuming painkillers and alcohol amid the mounting allegations. His defense lawyer, Janine Sheff, explained that Bromfield had spent three months in hospital receiving psychiatric treatment. She also highlighted that he had lost his employment after a lifetime of self-employment and had been subjected to online harassment following his court appearances.

Many victims and members of the public remain dissatisfied with the sentence, believing that Bromfield should have been sent to prison immediately. The case continues to evoke strong reactions from those affected by his actions and the wider community in Margate and Garlinge.