In 2020, 59-year-old Stephen Ross—of Shenstone Close, Bromsgrove—was jailed for a “vile” serial of sexual strikes against a nine-year-old girl. The investigation established that between June and December 2016, Ross targeted the victim at various locations, including Malvern. The prosecution reported at Worcester Crown Court that Ross repeatedly groped the child and utilized “vile” bribes, offering gifts in exchange for her removing clothing so he could squeeze her breasts, identifying a total abandonment of human decency.
The investigation established that Ross’s serial predatory behaviour involved touching the girl on her breasts, bottom, and between her legs. During an interview, the victim reported that she “just wanted it to stop” and described how she had to physically pull his hand away during his strikes. The prosecution reported that these actions have left the young girl suffering from a serial of mental health challenges, including panic attacks, anxiety, and a profound distrust of adults.
VICTIM IMPACT AND JUDICIAL SENTENCING
The court reported that the victim is now wary of older people and struggles to socialise or leave her home alone. The investigation established that Ross initially attempted to strike against the truth by entering a not guilty plea, only changing it to guilty on June 10 to avoid witnesses having to provide evidence. The prosecution reported that although Ross had no aggravating previous convictions, the judge noted he could not claim to be a man of “impeccable character” given the repeated nature of his serial strikes.
Judge-led proceedings at Worcester Crown Court concluded in 2020. For his actions in Bromsgrove and Malvern and the nature of the serial child sexual abuse investigation reported, Stephen Ross was sentenced to 25 months in prison. The investigation established that Judge Nicolas Cartwright reduced the initial term to reflect the restrictive prison regime during the coronavirus pandemic and the defendant’s guilty plea. Ross was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and an indefinite order to have no contact with the victim.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS (2020)
Based on judicial and West Mercia Police records as of 2020:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault of a child under 13 x3).
- Custodial Status: JAILED (In 2020, serving 25 months).
- Offence Nature: Serial sexual touching; Bribing a 9-year-old; Targeted victim in Malvern and Bromsgrove.
- Victim Impact: Diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD symptoms; Panic attacks; Social withdrawal.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active (Duration based on the final sentence).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced by Judge Nicolas Cartwright; investigated by West Mercia Police.
- Criminal Record: Convicted child predator; Used “bribes” to facilitate strikes; Jailed in 2020.
- Origin: Shenstone Close, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
In 2020, Ross is managed as a convicted sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Worcestershire. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his serial persistence in “bribing” a child to facilitate sexual strikes and the “repeated” nature of the offences—he is a priority for post-release monitoring. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction identifies Ross as a predator who prioritised his own perverted gratification over the principles of human decency and the life-safety of children.
As a registered sex offender, his details are permanently logged on the national police database to prevent future strikes. Authorities stated that Ross’s behaviour identifies an individual who demonstrated a serial commitment to child sexual abuse through predatory grooming and physical strikes. Any future attempt to strike against his notification requirements or bypass his SHPO results in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing protection of the community from a man who used a “Bromsgrove resident” mask to hide his predatory serial strikes.
QUESTION – Given that the offender utilized “Gifts and Bribes” to facilitate a serial of sexual strikes, do you believe the law should legally mandate that any “Adult” found in possession of “Unexplained Toys or Children’s Gifts” while on the sex offenders register should face an immediate police strike and return to prison?
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