STEPHEN PICKERING'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BOSTON AND SPALDING REVEALED

In March 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving a convicted sex offender who managed to stay at a residence in Spalding, despite his legal obligations and the serious nature of his past crimes. The individual, identified as Stephen Drury, also known as Stephen Pickering, had a long-standing record that mandated him to register as a sex offender for life. This requirement was not only a legal obligation but also a crucial safety measure designed to inform the public and authorities about his presence in the community.

According to court proceedings, Drury failed to disclose his past conviction to the homeowner in Spalding, a woman who was unaware of his criminal history. He stayed at her house for several days in August 2019, taking advantage of her hospitality without revealing his background. It was only four months later that police officers, conducting inquiries to locate Drury after he went missing, visited the woman's residence. During this visit, she was informed of his status as a sex offender, a revelation that came as a shock to her since she had no prior knowledge of his criminal record. Sarah Phelan, the prosecutor, emphasized that the woman had no awareness of Drury's previous convictions and had been deceived into allowing him to stay.

Further details revealed that Drury, aged 46 and residing on Garfits Lane in Boston, had a history of serious sexual offenses. In August 2004, he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison at Lincoln Crown Court for multiple charges, including rape, indecent assault, and false imprisonment. As part of his sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his movements to protect the community.

Despite these legal restrictions, Drury was found to have failed to comply with his registration requirements. He admitted to staying at the Spalding woman's home in August 2019 without informing authorities of his current address, a clear breach of the law. Additionally, in November 2019, he failed to update his address with the police, further violating his obligations. His legal troubles extended beyond these breaches, as he also faced charges related to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, possession of a small amount of cannabis, and breaching a suspended sentence for theft. These offenses occurred in various locations, including London Road in Boston and a car park at the Lidl store on Holbeach Road in Spalding, where he was observed driving despite being banned.

In total, Drury was sentenced to 12 months in prison for these combined offenses and received a driving ban of two and a half years. Judge Simon Hirst addressed the court, condemning his actions as deliberate and highly unacceptable, especially given his past criminal record. The judge emphasized the significant risk posed by Drury's breaches, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to registration laws to safeguard the community from potential harm.