Addlestone, Surrey – Stephen Ireland, 42, the co-founder of Surrey Pride, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison with an additional six years on extended licence for a series of grave child sex offences, including the rape of a 12-year-old boy. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court following a trial that concluded earlier this year.

Details of the Case

Ireland, who established Surrey Pride in 2018, was convicted of multiple charges, including one count of rape, three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence, six counts of making indecent photographs of children, four counts of distributing indecent photographs of children, possession of prohibited images, and possession of an extreme pornographic image. The court heard that Ireland arranged to meet the victim, described as “extremely vulnerable,” through the dating app Grindr, with the assault occurring at his flat in Addlestone on April 19, 2024.

David Sutton, 27, Ireland’s former partner and a volunteer for Surrey Pride, was also sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for related offences, including voyeurism, possession and distribution of prohibited images of children, and perverting the course of justice.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

During the sentencing, Judge Patricia Lees highlighted Ireland’s awareness of the vulnerabilities of young people, noting that he “took advantage” of the victim. She stated, “Stephen Ireland is a man who prided himself on being versed in and highly alive to the vulnerabilities of young people linked to the Surrey Pride organisation he was at the time pivotal to.” Ireland’s defence lawyer, Alex Kirkler, argued that his client did not abuse his position within Surrey Pride to commit these offences.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Ireland’s prominent role in the LGBTQ+ community. However, official reports confirm there is no evidence linking his activism with Surrey Pride to the crimes committed.

Community and Social Media Reaction

The conviction has sparked widespread discussion, particularly on social media platforms, with some posts inaccurately claiming Ireland received a 30-year sentence. Official sources, including reports from BBC News and the Daily Mail, clarify the sentence as 24 years with a six-year extended licence. These discussions have also raised broader concerns about child safety and the accountability of individuals in community leadership roles.

Surrey Pride’s Response

Surrey Pride has not issued a public statement in the provided sources, and there is no indication that the organization was directly involved in the offences. The charity, focused on promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community, continues its work under new leadership.

Ongoing Implications

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring robust checks within community organizations. Authorities are likely to continue monitoring registered offenders to prevent future offences, with Ireland’s extended licence reflecting the severity of his crimes.

For further details, refer to official reports from trusted sources such as BBC News and Daily Mail.

Published: July 1, 2025 | NRIGlobe.com