Pride group founder raped boy, 12, he met on Grindr
The co-founder of a Surrey LGBTQ+ group has been found guilty of raping a 12-year-old boy he met on Grindr.
Stephen Ireland, 41, was convicted of raping the child in the Addlestone flat he shared with David Sutton, 27, on 19 April 2024.
Ireland, who co-founded Pride in Surrey in 2018, was also found guilty of three counts of causing a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault of a child under 13 and six counts of making indecent images of children.
Sutton, who also volunteered with the organisation, was found guilty of three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image.
The trial at Guildford Crown Court heard how the boy had met Ireland at his flat after messaging on the dating app.
Ireland suggested that they kiss and watch pornography, a jury was told, after which they had sex in the flat, smoked a bong and played pornography on a laptop.
The pair were convicted after a month-long trial and nearly a week of deliberations.
Ireland and Sutton were also acquitted of conspiring to kidnap a child while Sutton was cleared of six counts of conspiring to sexually assault a child.
The pair also pleaded guilty to five counts that were not presented to the jury during the trial.
Ireland and Sutton admitted possessing prohibited images of children while Ireland also admitted possessing and an extreme pornographic image.
Sutton also pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child.
Debbie White, head of Surrey Police's public protection team, said: "Stephen Ireland was a sexual predator who targeted a young boy and took advantage of his age and vulnerability for his own gratification.
"Both men then tried to cover up their offending by intentionally deleting material from their phones once they became aware of the police investigation and following their arrests.
"This has been an extremely difficult and complex investigation, and I would like to thank all those involved for their hard work and dedication.
"I hope the convictions today send a clear message to any victim of a sexual offence, that you will be listened to, you will be supported, and we will investigate such crimes thoroughly."
A spokesperson for Pride in Surrey said it "utterly condemns" Ireland and Sutton's crimes, adding: "We remain committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our community."
The pair will be sentenced on 30 June.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Pride group founder spoke about abuse, jury told
Messages about children a 'fantasy', jury told
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
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