STUART ENGLAND FROM WELLS SENTENCED AFTER GROPING UNDER-AGE GIRL AT STRODE THEATRE

In March 2009, Stuart England, a 25-year-old theatre technician from Martins Close, Wells, was involved in a disturbing incident that led to his conviction and sentencing. The case centered around his inappropriate conduct towards a schoolgirl he met while working at Strode Theatre, located in Street. Although England had not been employed at the theatre since May 2008, his actions during his tenure drew significant legal scrutiny.

According to court proceedings, the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, initially confided in England about personal issues, specifically mentioning that he had told her he was experiencing relationship problems with his girlfriend. This conversation fostered a sense of trust between them, leading to a series of text messages and eventually, plans to meet in person. The court heard that during their meeting, England admitted to kissing the girl and touching her breasts, actions he later described as being done in an “erotic fashion.” Prosecutor Ian Halliday stated that England believed the girl was 16 years old at the time, a claim that was later contradicted by the girl’s decision to cease communication after discovering that England was engaged to a woman closer to his own age.

Judge Graham Hume Jones addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that England was in a position of trust, given his role at the theatre and his interactions with young people involved with the venue. The judge expressed concern that England exploited this trust, taking advantage of a vulnerable girl. He remarked, “You may not have been charged with anything, but you have been involved in this sort of behaviour before and warned about it. The theme running through the report is that you do not think what you have done is terribly wrong. Young girls have to be protected against themselves. It’s easy for a person of your age to take advantage of young girls and that’s the serious aspect of this case. Fortunately, it did not go any further, but it might have done.”

England pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. In response, the court imposed a three-year community order with supervision, requiring him to attend a sex offenders’ programme. Additionally, he was issued a Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order for five years, ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period, and instructed to pay costs amounting to £700. The judge’s ruling underscored the importance of safeguarding minors and highlighted the potential dangers posed by individuals in positions of trust who abuse their roles for personal gratification.