STEVEN ROBINSON FROM MORDEN AND UPPER NORWOOD FACES COURT OVER CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LATEST CRIMINAL CASE

In a series of disturbing developments, Steven Robinson, a man with a troubling criminal history linked to child exploitation, appeared in court this week facing serious allegations and new restrictions aimed at preventing further offenses. Robinson, aged 40, who has previously served time for child pornography offenses, was once employed as a care worker in Morden and has connections to Upper Norwood, areas where his past and recent activities have raised significant concern among law enforcement officials.

Robinson's criminal record dates back to 2004 when he was convicted of possessing indecent photographs of children, including images depicting babies being abused. His sentence at that time included a 22-month jail term and a ten-year registration requirement on the sex offenders' register. Despite serving his sentence, authorities have expressed increasing alarm over his conduct following his release from prison.

Recent investigations have uncovered troubling online behavior by Robinson. Police discovered that he had made a payment to a website based in the Philippines that streams child abuse material. Furthermore, he had used a profile picture featuring children’s football at Crystal Palace Football Club, despite being banned for life from working with children and having no official affiliation with the club. His online interactions included approaching parents of children who visited his workplace to sign them up for courses, falsely claiming to be associated with Crystal Palace FC. These actions suggest an attempt to exploit his position and falsely present himself as a legitimate youth football coach.

In addition to these online activities, authorities uncovered evidence that Robinson had designed multiple websites, some of which appeared to promote services such as cleaning for residential and commercial properties. Law enforcement officials suspect that these websites may have been used as a cover to gain access to children, similar to a previous incident in 2001 when Robinson indecently assaulted a five-year-old girl while canvassing for a karate club. The victim’s mother chose not to pursue legal action at the time to avoid subjecting her daughter to a court ordeal.

Concerned about the potential for further harm, the Metropolitan Police sought and obtained a sexual offences prevention order against Robinson. The order, which was approved at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, prohibits him from possessing or using a phone capable of internet access unless monitored with software, and bans him from unsupervised contact with anyone under 16 unless explicit parental consent is given and the parent is aware of his criminal history. The order also restricts him from owning or using devices capable of taking or storing photographs without notifying the Public Protection Unit (PPU).

Robinson is further barred from contacting any other registered sex offenders without prior approval, engaging in any paid or voluntary work involving children without notifying authorities, or joining social networks or dating sites without permission. If he enters into a relationship, he is required to inform the PPU, providing details of the partner’s name and address. Additionally, he is prohibited from entering private properties where children under 16 are present without prior consent from the PPU.

His past criminal conduct also includes a 2001 incident where he indecently assaulted a young girl while canvassing for a karate club. Although no legal action was taken at that time, authorities now view this as part of his pattern of behavior. Robinson, who previously worked for Merton Council caring for disabled children, was present in court and only confirmed his name, age, and address during the hearing.

In a related case from 2004, Robinson was sentenced to nearly two years in prison after being found with a large collection of child abuse images, including photographs of babies being abused and images of young girls. Police had discovered these images on his laptop, along with additional material on floppy disks and Polaroids. During the investigation, officers also found a children’s book, duvet, packing tape, and latex gloves in his vehicle. Robinson admitted to paying for access to streaming sites that featured children dancing in underwear, which further compounded concerns about his intentions and behavior.

Robinson’s defense argued that he had no prior convictions and had sought help voluntarily before his arrest. Nonetheless, Judge Martin Binning emphasized the severity of his actions, stating that the images involved the sexual abuse of very young children, including infants. Robinson was convicted on 18 charges related to child pornography and sentenced to 22 months in prison. The court also imposed a lifelong ban on working with children and a ten-year registration requirement on the sex offenders' register. The judge warned that any reoffending would result in an automatic three-year prison term.

Community members and officials have expressed outrage over the relatively short sentence, with a mother whose child attended the care facility where Robinson previously worked criticizing the punishment as inadequate. Merton Council confirmed that Robinson no longer works in any capacity related to child care and assured that relevant authorities have been informed of his status. The case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilant monitoring of individuals with a history of offenses against children.