In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 57-year-old Steven Marchington—of Cathedral Road, Chadderton, Oldham—received a suspended prison sentence for a series of predatory digital strikes. The investigation established that in early 2018, Marchington used the username ‘David UK’ on an online forum for teenagers, posing as a 22-year-old man. The prosecution reported at Manchester Crown Court that he targeted a profile he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl named ‘Holly’.
The investigation established that ‘Holly’ was actually an undercover police officer. During their interactions, Marchington was explicitly informed of the child’s age but replied, “As long as you are ok with it.” The prosecution reported that over the course of several digital strikes in January and February 2018, Marchington performed sex acts on himself over video chat and subjected the officer to “lewd” questioning, believing he was being watched by a minor.
JUDICIAL FINDINGS AND SENTENCING
The court reported that Marchington had a history of sexual deviancy, including previous convictions for indecent exposure in 1985 and 1999. The investigation established that during his interview, he claimed a “compulsion” to expose himself. The prosecution reported that Recorder Tom Gilbart condemned his actions as “horrendous,” stating that Marchington should be “totally ashamed” for attempting to involve a child in his sexual activity.
Judge-led proceedings at Manchester Crown Court concluded in 2020 with Marchington pleading guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual conversations with a child and one count of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child. For his actions in Chadderton, Oldham and the nature of the serial child abuse reported, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial orders issued in 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Attempting to engage in sexual conversation with a child x2; Attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child).
- Custodial Status: SUSPENDED (In 2020, 16 months suspended for 2 years).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030.
- SHPO Status: Active until 2030 (Imposing a 10-year ban on unsupervised contact with children and strict digital monitoring).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Manchester Crown Court; investigated by Greater Manchester Police (Undercover Unit).
- Criminal Record: Recidivist with exposure convictions since 1985; Posed as a 22-year-old to groom a “13-year-old”; Performed sexual acts over webcam; Targeted an undercover officer; Avoided immediate jail in 2020.
- Origin: Cathedral Road, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Marchington is managed as a high-risk offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Greater Manchester. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “serial” history of indecent exposure and his targeting of youth forums—he is a priority for digital forensic monitoring. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Marchington is permanently flagged on national databases, meaning any attempt to access regulated roles or work with children in Oldham or elsewhere will be blocked.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Marchington’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own gratification over the safety and human rights of a 13-year-old child. Any failure by Marchington to adhere to his 100 hours of unpaid work, his notification requirements, or his restrictive court orders in Chadderton or elsewhere will result in the immediate activation of his 16-month prison sentence to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender blamed a “Compulsion to Expose Himself” for his actions, do you believe the law should legally mandate that such offenders receive chemical castration or long-term hormonal treatment as a condition of a suspended sentence?
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