In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 38-year-old Stephen Pennington was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for deliberately bypassing court orders to start a new life in Devon. Following proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, the defendant—who has also used the names Steven Cayzer and Stuart Rigby—admitted three counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements. It was reported that Pennington, who was originally convicted in 2009 for the rape of a child under 13, left his registered address in Blackburn without informing the authorities.
The investigation established that Pennington travelled to Bideford, where he entered into a friendship with a young mother while concealing his history as a child rapist. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that a wanted appeal was issued last year after he vanished from Lancashire in September. The prosecution reported that when Pennington was eventually tracked down and arrested in the South West, he refused to provide police with the PIN or user details for a Snapchat account he had downloaded in direct violation of his SHPO.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Pennington has a prolific history of ignoring the law, with more than a dozen previous breaches of court orders on his record. Exeter Crown Court heard that the defendant demonstrated a blatant disregard for the measures designed to protect the public and himself. The investigation established that Pennington possesses distinctive physical features, including being 5ft 10in tall with tattoos on his neck, hand, and body, and deformed toes that turn outwards.
Judge James Patrick presided over the sentencing, noting that previous prison terms had failed to alter Pennington’s behaviour. For his actions in Bideford and his failure to remain in Blackburn, Pennington was handed a significant custodial term. The judge noted that the defendant’s continued refusal to cooperate with digital examinations and his pursuit of a relationship with a mother while unmonitored represented a very significant concern for public safety.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Stephen Pennington as of April 1, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 3 years and 9 months (Sentenced 2026; currently serving).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active indefinitely.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court, following a Devon and Cornwall Police and Lancashire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape of a child under 13 (2009); Breach of SHPO (Multiple counts); Failure to comply with notification requirements.
- Origin: Blackburn, Lancashire; Arrested in Bideford, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Pennington is managed as a high-risk Category 1 dangerous predator within the national prison estate. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved a calculated move across the country to evade detection and embed himself with a family, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his history of a dozen breaches proves he is a determined offender who actively seeks to bypass the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
As a registered sex offender for life, Pennington’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his use of aliases and his refusal to disclose digital activity are high-level risk indicators. Any eventual release will be subject to the most intensive level of monitoring by the Devon and Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit. Any presence near schools, any unauthorised digital communication, or any failure to disclose a change of address in Bideford or Blackburn will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.