STEPHEN IRELAND ADDLESTONE SEXUAL ABUSE SHOCKER: PRIDE CO-FOUNDER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN SURREY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Stephen Ireland, aged 42, the founder of an LGBTQ+ organization and co-founder of Pride in Surrey, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 24 years for heinous sexual offenses involving a vulnerable young boy. The incident took place at Ireland's flat in Addlestone on April 19, 2024, where he committed the assault against a 12-year-old boy, referred to in court proceedings as Child A.

Details emerging from the court reveal that Ireland had initially arranged to meet the young boy through the popular dating app Grindr, engaging in messaging that ultimately led to the assault. The court heard that Ireland and his co-defendant, David Sutton, aged 27, who was a volunteer for Surrey Pride, were both convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses against minors. These included charges of voyeurism, child sex offense arrangements, and possession of prohibited images. Ireland was found guilty of several grave charges, including rape of a child under 13, causing a minor to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, conspiracy to engage in sexual activity, and the creation and distribution of indecent photographs of children.

David Sutton received a comparatively shorter sentence of four and a half years, primarily for offenses such as voyeurism and the distribution of indecent images. During the trial, it was revealed that Ireland initially believed the boy was 17 years old but later discovered he was only 13. His response to this revelation was chilling, as he reportedly said, 'OK – we just have to keep it a secret.'

Judge Patricia Lees delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing that Ireland exploited the child's vulnerability and had targeted a young individual who was clearly highly sexualized. The judge pointed out that Ireland had groomed the boy from an early age, taking advantage of his innocence and naivety. Evidence presented in court also showed that Ireland had sent messages describing himself as 'naughty and kinky' and had inquired about participating in a threesome, sharing explicit pictures with Sutton.

Furthermore, the court heard that both offenders attempted to cover their tracks by deleting material from their phones after being released on police bail. Ireland's sentencing was extended by an additional six years on extended license, with his legal representatives arguing that he did not abuse his position within Surrey Pride to facilitate these crimes. However, the case has cast a dark shadow over the organization, raising serious concerns about the safety and integrity of its members.

This case highlights the grave dangers of online grooming and the exploitation of minors, with Ireland and Sutton supporting each other's offending behaviors. Judge Patricia Lees underscored the severity of their actions, which reflect a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The community and the wider public are left to grapple with the implications of this case, which exposes the dark side of online interactions and the potential for abuse within organizations meant to promote inclusivity and pride.