A convicted Bristol Paedophile Steven Strange who established a relationship with a susceptible 14-year-old girl has been incarcerated.
Paedophile Steven Strange was prohibited from interacting with individuals under the age of 16 pursuant to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). However, he encountered the girl at a park in Bristol, provided her with his mobile number, and they then engaged in multiple walks together, as stated before Bristol Crown Court.
Steven Strange, 34, residing on Jacob’s Wells Road in Bristol, admitted guilt to two violations of the SHPO. He also acknowledged his failure to report his location as required by sex offender notification regulations.
On May 24, Recorder Mr. Richard Smith QC sentenced him to 18 months of imprisonment. He informed Steven Strange: “You possess a history of sexual offences and non-compliance.”
Sam Jones, representing the prosecution, stated that Strange approached the girl as she was seated on a bench. After informing her of his age, 21, and identifying himself as Steven Strange, he provided her with his mobile number. Feeling uneasy, she initially went home but later returned.
The court was informed that they thereafter walked together and concurred to reconvene the following day. Upon reuniting, they took another walk to Steven Strange’s address, where the girl stayed outside.
After disputing with her mother, the girl returned to Steven Strange’s residence. The court was informed that she accompanied him in the dark till she returned home at approximately 1 AM.
Mr. Jones stated that the following day, Steven Strange, having obtained the girl’s cell phone, called her; however, her mother intercepted the call and denied him permission to see her. She subsequently informed the police of the event, who conducted a background check on Strange and his mobile number, successfully locating him.
Strange informed the police that he was unfamiliar with the girl, but acknowledged that he had provided a cigarette to a girl. The police located the minor outside his residence, and during the interrogation, Steven Strange stated he believed she was over 16 years old.
Catherine Spedding, in defence, stated that her client possessed a problematic history and, after conversing with the girl, he perceived a mutual understanding between them stemming from their shared experiences. Miss Spedding stated, “If he intended to perpetrate sexual offences, there were opportunities available for him to do so.” There is no indication of any sexual interaction between them.
Miss Spedding stated that her client, due to his “chaotic and disorganised lifestyle,” neglected to register his residence with the police as mandated following convictions for the rape of a girl under 16 and two sexual assaults.
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