A disturbing court case in Guildford Crown Court has revealed shocking allegations against two men, Stephen Ireland, 40, and David Sutton, 27, who are accused of planning heinous crimes involving children. Both men, from Addlestone in Surrey, are associated with Pride in Surrey, an LGBTQ+ group co-founded by Ireland in 2018. Ireland is charged with 20 offenses, including raping a child, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault on a child. Sutton faces five charges, including three counts of making indecent photographs of children. Together, they are also jointly charged with 15 additional offenses related to multiple children. Both men deny all the charges.
The trial has exposed deeply troubling messages exchanged between Ireland and Sutton via WhatsApp between 2022 and 2024. Prosecutor Isabel Delamere told jurors that these conversations went far beyond fantasy, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior. The pair allegedly discussed kidnapping schoolchildren, sexually abusing boys, and targeting children outside school gates while posing as talent coaches or music managers. They also explored ways to avoid CCTV surveillance. In one chilling message, Ireland reportedly wrote, “All I’m thinking of is making out with a 13.” Another message between the two read, “Every day passes and I wanna do something terrible with you.” The court also heard that they referred to themselves as “pedos” in their communications and discussed raping someone in the changing rooms of a swimming pool.
The prosecution presented evidence of multiple conversations where Ireland and Sutton allegedly plotted to harm children. These discussions included plans to sexually abuse two children, including a six-year-old girl, drugging and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old, and procuring a 13-year-old boy for Sutton’s 25th birthday. Delamere emphasized that these messages were not isolated or fleeting thoughts but part of a “long and consistent history” of disturbing behavior. Ireland is additionally accused of having sexual intercourse with and smoking a bong with a 12-year-old boy at his flat in April 2024. Both men are also charged with perverting the course of justice by deleting phone material and history after becoming aware of the police investigation.
The defense, however, is expected to argue that these allegations are unfounded and that the messages were merely fantasy and role play with no intention of being acted upon. In a statement to police in July 2024, Ireland claimed that his communications with Sutton were “merely fantasy and role play” and that there was never any intent to carry out the discussed acts. This defense strategy suggests that the pair were engaging in imaginary scenarios rather than plotting real crimes, though the prosecution insists that the evidence demonstrates a clear intent to harm.
Jury deliberations are ongoing as the trial continues, with jurors tasked with determining whether the alleged conversations and actions constitute criminal intent or mere fantasy. The case has raised serious concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the use of technology to facilitate harmful behavior. The allegations against Ireland and Sutton are deeply disturbing, and the outcome of the trial will have significant implications for both the accused and the broader community.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in preventing child abuse and exploitation.
