JAILED | Penzance man guilty of online sex crimes
A Penzance man has been jailed for over four years for inciting a child into sexual activity online.
Christopher Stevens, of Chywoone Hill in Newlyn, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday 8 May where he was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment.
The 65-year-old pleaded guilty on 13th April to causing/or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The court heard how Stevens had been in contact with the child over a dating app before moving over to a messaging app where explicit content was shared. It was only when the child’s father looked through her phone that contact ceased and the police were immediately alerted.
On sentencing, Stevens was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for a period of 10 years, placing strict restrictions on his internet use and contact with children upon release. He was also placed onto the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Emily Distin said: “This case highlights the serious risks posed to children in online environments and the determined efforts of law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who seek to exploit young people.
“This emphasises the importance of parents, carers and guardians remaining vigilant to children’s online activity and encouraging open conversations about internet safety.
“Anyone with concerns about child exploitation or inappropriate online behaviour is urged to report it to police or via the appropriate safeguarding channels below.”
Support available
If you are a victim of child abuse, or worried for the safety or wellbeing of a child, find out below all the different ways you can get in touch. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns. Your information could help our trained officers and staff protect the child.
The best ways to get in touch
If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
If it isn’t an emergency, please get in touch in any of these other ways:
- call our non-emergency, 24/7 number: 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101
- visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
- contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner
- contact the children's social care team at your local council
- contact Fearless confidentially and anonymously
If you’re a child, you could also speak to someone you trust, like a friend, a teacher or another adult.
If you’re a professional working with children, remember you have a responsibility to refer your concerns to Children’s Social Care through your local council.
What happens after you report it to us?
Uniformed officers may take an initial report, after which specialist detectives may investigate. They'll explain in detail what will happen next.
Neither you or the child will be forced to do anything you're not comfortable with. However we will always take action if we think a child is at risk of further harm.
You can also visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
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