A firefighter, Robert Stevenson, convicted of soliciting nude photographs from minors throughout the UK has received a seven-year prison sentence. Robert Stevenson, 31, utilised social media channels to solicit pornographic pictures from girls in exchange for monetary compensation while employed by the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Robert Stevenson sent a selfie in his uniform to a teenage girl, falsely asserting that he was 19. The police commenced an inquiry after a 15-year-old girl alleged that Stevenson had threatened to disseminate an obscene image of her online.
The police reported that he contacted the woman on Instagram, enquiring if “she wanted to earn £100.” The dialogue shifted to Snapchat, where Robert Stevenson falsely claimed to be 17 when she disclosed her age as 17.
Following his arrest, an analysis of Robert Stevenson’s devices disclosed that he had been in communication with other girls. He had even remunerated some of them for providing their photographs and videos.
Investigators discovered that Robert Stevenson had been interacting with youngsters “in a sexual manner nationwide.” He confronted several counts, including incitement to sexual exploitation of a minor, incitement to sexual action, and the creation of obscene photos of a minor.
Following a trial at Derby Crown Court, Robert Stevenson, from Long Eaton, Derbyshire, was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison and mandated to register as a sex offender.
After the jailing last Friday (27/9), Detective Sergeant Sophie Draycott from Derbyshire Police commented on the lengthy investigation, revealing: “This has been a long investigation which revealed Robert Stevenson has been communicating with children sexually right across the country.”
She expressed relief that Stevenson had been convicted: “His behaviour was appalling and repeated so I am pleased that he has now been brought to justice for his crimes and is serving a prison sentence.”
She also acknowledged the victims’ courage: “I’d also like to thank all the victims for their bravery and support throughout the case.”
Det Sgt Draycott, who oversees the force’s Child Sexual Exploitation unit, also issued a caution to parents regarding online communication, stating: “Now that social media is such a massive part of our society, I’d encourage all parents to please be aware of who their children are communicating with online, urge them to make sure they are not sending any images to anyone and let their children know that if they do receive any unwanted or inappropriate messages they should tell an adult.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that Robert Stevenson was on their payroll from June 2018 until his suspension in November 2019.
Despite a formal dismissal hearing set for June 2020, Robert Stevenson opted to resign in May 2020 amid ongoing investigations.
In response, the fire service spokesperson stated: “All employees with a public-facing role are now subject to enhanced DBS checks and are trusted within the communities we serve.”
“Former firefighter Robert Stevenson breached the trust of our communities by committing the significant offences for which he has now been sentenced.”
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