CRAYFORD PAEDOPHILE STEVEN CLIVE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING 14-YEAR-OLD ON FACEBOOK IN ERITH AND SOUTH-EAST LONDON

In a case that highlights the dangers of social media and the predatory behavior of sex offenders, Steven Clive, a 35-year-old man from Crayford, was sentenced to a total of two years and five months in prison after admitting to grooming a 14-year-old girl on Facebook. The sentencing took place at Woolwich Crown Court, where Clive also received a five-year sex offenders prevention order, and it was confirmed that he will be on the sex offenders register for a decade.

The charges against Clive included one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, which carried a 12-month sentence, and two counts of sexual activity with a child, each resulting in a two-year and five-month sentence. These sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the total time served will be the longest individual sentence. The offences occurred between May and July 2011, during which Clive used a false identity to establish a relationship with the young girl on Facebook.

Clive’s criminal activities came to light after the victim confided in a friend about her relationship with him. This disclosure prompted the friend to contact the police, leading to Clive’s arrest on July 14, 2011, at his residence in Crayford. During the summer of 2011, Clive traveled to south-east London to meet the girl in person on several occasions, where they engaged in sexual activities. The case underscores the risks associated with online interactions, especially when predators exploit social media platforms to target vulnerable youths.

Detective Constable Chris Hammond of the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire sex crime unit described Clive as a “predatory paedophile who has targeted a vulnerable young girl to satisfy his own sexual needs.” Hammond emphasized the police’s commitment to protecting children and supporting victims, stating, “The MPS is dedicated to protecting the public from sexual predators and encourage victims to come forward. They will be fully supported by specially trained officers.”

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas also commented on the case, highlighting the exploitation and grooming involved. “The victim was targeted, groomed, and exploited by Clive. This crime again shows how the internet and social media can be exploited by paedophiles to snare their victims. This conviction will provide reassurance that we will relentlessly pursue those who commit these dreadful crimes against children.”

Clive’s sentencing is scheduled for May 2 at the same court, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat online child exploitation and protect young people from predators operating through digital platforms.