WAYNE STEPHENSON OF HAMBLE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING A TEENAGE GIRL IN HAMPSHIRE

In September 2012, Wayne Stephenson of Hamble, Hampshire, faced court for grooming a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity over Facebook. The court was informed that Stephenson, aged 34 at the time, used the social media platform to lure the girl, exchanging numerous messages that were largely explicit in nature. Prosecutor Kerry Maylin revealed during the hearing at Winchester Crown Court that Stephenson had also kissed her on the mouth.

Stephenson pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Judge Mr Recorder Jonathan Fuller QC emphasized, “You used Facebook to groom her. The grooming only had one object, to have sexual relations with this 15-year-old girl. Her responses are typically the confused and sometimes unpredictable responses that should be expected of an emotional and immature teenager. She was almost of the age of consent but she was emotionally immature for her age. You were fully aware of her age.”

The court heard that Stephenson urged the girl to delete their messages, likely to avoid detection. Although he broke off contact for reasons not disclosed in court, no sexual activity ever occurred. The case emerged when the girl went missing from her home, and her parents discovered letters in her room. She is unable to be identified publicly for legal reasons.

Richard Martin, representing Stephenson, stated, “He accepts he behaved inappropriately and his remorse continues to this day. He realised he had done something wrong and he stopped.” It was also noted that Stephenson had served in the Royal Navy for seven years before leaving in 2007.

Stephenson was sentenced to two years in prison for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and received an additional three-month sentence for the sexual assault, to run concurrently. The judge also ordered an extension of his licence period by two years following his release.