An Matlock Paedophile, Stephen Blackwell, who transmitted sexually explicit messages to minors through the internet has been incarcerated.
Stephen Blackwell initiated communication with a young girl on TikTok when she was 10. At first, he informed her that he was a 17-year-old male residing in London but then confessed to deceiving her about his age. He persistently transmitted photographs and videos to her and requested reciprocation through images.
The incident was brought to attention when the girl’s mother discovered the messages on her phone and promptly notified the authorities.
Stephen Blackwell was apprehended about the occurrence and subsequently granted bail pending ongoing investigations.
During his release on bail, he initiated communication with accounts that he believed were owned by females who were 14 years old. Nevertheless, these accounts were decoy accounts operated by an online kid activist organisation.
Stephen Blackwell transmitted multiple recordings depicting him engaging in sexual acts with himself and also requested that the girls engage in similar acts.
The paedophile, Stephen Blackwell, aged 46 and residing in Matlock, was apprehended and later accused of participating in sexual communication with a minor, inducing a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, causing a child under the age of 13 to view explicit imagery, and attempting to cause a child between the ages of 13 and 15 to view explicit imagery.
Despite denying the allegations, he was ultimately convicted following a trial at Derby Crown Court.
On 16 August, he reappeared for sentencing and was imprisoned for 11 years and three months. The judge also imposed an extended sentence to acknowledge the level of threat he presented.
In addition, he received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was subsequently added to the sex offenders register.
Temporary Detective Constable Samantha Bramley and Detective Constable Sarah North, who spearheaded the inquiry, stated: “Stephen Blackwell’s consistent pursuit of sexual pleasure from minors, coupled with his ongoing criminal activities despite being released on bail, highlights the inherent danger he poses as an individual.”
“He has demonstrated a complete disregard for the law, and by denying these offences, he has also displayed a lack of understanding that his actions were morally incorrect.” Undoubtedly, he would have persisted in perpetrating transgressions had he not been incarcerated.
“It is gratifying, therefore, that he is currently incarcerated, and the judge recognised the danger he presents by imposing an extended term of imprisonment.”
To report or seek help about online sexual abuse, you can contact us in any of the following ways:
- Website– We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
- Facebook– send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
- X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Phone – call us on 101
- If you are in immediate danger and need an emergency response, always dial 999.
- You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
Several other organisations may be able to help with advice or alternative ways in which you can report. They are:
- Child Exploitation Online Protection command (CEOP) – http://ceop.police.uk/
- Internet Watch Foundation – https://www.iwf.org.uk/
- NSPCC Helplines: Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice at 0808 8005000
- Get Safe Online provides advice on staying safe online.
- Thinkuknow: An education programme keeping children and young people safe by teaching about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.