STEVEN STONE FROM TATTERSHALL FAILS TO REPORT TO POLICE, BREACHES SEX OFFENDER ORDER

In January 2019, a serious breach of court-ordered reporting requirements was brought to light involving Steven Stone, a man residing in Tattershall who was previously convicted of child sexual offences. Stone, aged 28 and currently homeless, failed to adhere to the strict conditions imposed by the Sex Offenders’ Register, which mandated weekly reporting to police authorities.

Stone, who listed a 'care of' address at Cromwell Place, appeared before Boston Magistrates’ Court last week, on January 30, to face charges of failing to comply with the terms of his sex offender order. During the hearing, he admitted to four separate instances of non-compliance, which involved delays in reporting to police by periods ranging from one to four days. These breaches occurred in August and September of the previous year.

The court was informed that Steven Stone was initially placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register by Derby Crown Court in January 2010, following a conviction for sexual assault on a child. His sentence was set for five years. However, just three months later, in April 2010, he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court for another offence involving sexual activity with a minor. As a result of this second conviction, he was sentenced in August 2010 to 39 months in prison and was subsequently ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Prosecutor Jim Clare outlined to the magistrates that since his initial placement on the register, there have been ongoing breaches, including a further conviction. He explained that in August 2018, Stone informed police that he was homeless, and was instructed to notify them weekly of his whereabouts. Despite this, he failed to report on four occasions, each time being late by between one and four days. Mr Clare emphasized that although these breaches might seem minor individually, they collectively indicate a pattern of disregard for court orders and compliance obligations. Furthermore, Stone is also subject to a criminal behaviour order, adding to the seriousness of his non-compliance.

Magistrates expressed their deep concern over the repeated breaches and the potential risk posed by Stone’s continued non-compliance. They ordered a report from the Probation Service to assess his circumstances and scheduled the sentencing hearing for Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on February 13, where further legal action is expected to be taken.