In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 59-year-old Stephen McCue was warned he faced a prison sentence after admitting to attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. Following a hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, the defendant—of Mona Road, Salterbeck, Workington—entered a guilty plea to the charge. It was reported that McCue believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl online between 1 June and 10 June 2019, unaware that he was actually the target of a proactive sting operation.
The investigation established that McCue utilized digital platforms to seek out and groom a child for sexual purposes. Cumbria Constabulary reported that the prosecution was brought after McCue was snared by an online paedophile hunter. The prosecution reported that the defendant’s communications were of a sexually predatory nature, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit a primary school-aged girl.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that McCue’s actions necessitated immediate safeguarding measures to protect the public in West Cumbria. Carlisle Crown Court heard that the defendant was targeted by Sam Miller, a 25-year-old activist who was present in court to witness the guilty plea. The investigation established that McCue’s “sickening” digital conduct was severe enough to warrant a comprehensive pre-sentence report to assess the ongoing risk he posed to children.
Judge Julie Clemitson presided over the 2019 hearing, where she placed McCue under “stringent” bail conditions pending his final sentencing in January 2020. For his actions in Workington and the online space, McCue was prohibited from any unsupervised contact with children and banned from accessing the internet or social media without police approval. The judge noted that McCue was at significant risk of a custodial sentence and was barred from living in any household where a girl under the age of 16 resided.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Stephen McCue as of March 31, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Sentenced January 2020 (Subject to a significant custodial term).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2030 (10-year period).
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active until 2030.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court, following a Cumbria Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
- Origin: Mona Road, Salterbeck, Workington, Cumbria.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McCue is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Workington area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the deliberate attempt to groom a 13-year-old girl for sexual acts, his management is a priority for the Cumbria Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of using the internet to target minors requires the most intensive level of digital forensic monitoring to ensure he is not using unauthorized devices or encrypted messaging apps.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, McCue’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his behaviour demonstrated a predatory willingness to exploit children for sexual gratification. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements, any unauthorized internet use, or any presence near schools or play areas in Salterbeck or Workington will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the protection of the public from a confirmed groomer.
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