In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Stephen James Lee, then 45, of Lynton Drive, off Toller Lane, Bradford, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court. The married man was jailed for three years after forensic analysis revealed he had returned to consuming and distributing vile child abuse material while on licence from a previous prison sentence.
The court heard that Stephen James Lee was found in possession of 111 indecent images of children, 23 of which were classified as Category A—the most serious level, depicting the active rape and torture of minors. Most disturbingly, evidence from online chatrooms revealed that Lee had communicated with other men, asking if they “would like to abuse a baby.” Despite his claims to police that his actions were “like role play” and that he “wouldn’t touch anyone,” Judge Jonathan Rose highlighted the depravity of his digital interactions and the real-world harm they represent.
Stephen James Lee is a prolific repeat offender. He was first made subject to a community order in 2013, which failed to deter him, leading to a two-year prison sentence in August 2015. After being released on licence, he immediately resumed his activities between May and July 2017. When arrested at an address in Cheapside, Bradford, he told officers his offending was “like an addiction.” Judge Rose noted with concern that Lee had previously completed a sex offender treatment programme, which clearly had no impact on his predatory habits.
Lee pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, distributing an image, possession of a prohibited image, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). In an unusual moment before being led to the cells, Lee addressed the court, claiming he would “work doubly hard” in the prison system to ensure he did not re-offend.
Judge Jonathan Rose sentenced Stephen James Lee to three years in prison. In addition to his custodial term, he remains subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He must register as a sex offender for a duration determined by his ongoing risk to the public.
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