Stephen Lott

Stephen Lott, a 47-year-old resident of Harold Hill, has a long history of child sexual abuse dating back to the mid-1990s. His criminal record includes 22 offences related to child sexual abuse, with the most recent conviction stemming from actions in late 2023.

Lott began grooming an eight-year-old boy over a period of nine months, during which he bought the child presents and gifts to gain his trust. This grooming culminated in Lott kissing the boy and inviting him to his home with the clear intention of committing further sexual abuse. Although Lott claimed the kiss was accidental during a hug, a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court convicted him of sexual assault on a child and meeting a child following grooming.

At the sentencing hearing on 8 August 2024, Judge Ross Cohen heard from Lott, who was supported by his sister, her husband, and a church official. Lott attributed his behaviour to childhood struggles with making friends and requested another chance, expressing intentions to pursue a career making sci-fi videos on YouTube. However, Judge Cohen rejected this, stating: "You delude yourself and others that your behaviour towards children is innocent and based on an affinity you have for them as a result of your own low confidence. The sad truth, Stephen Lott, is that your behaviour towards children is both sexualised and predatory."

The judge detailed Lott's previous convictions, including gross indecency with a child aged between five and seven in the 1990s, which would be charged as oral rape under modern laws. Other offences include groping girls aged five and eight at South Kensington station in 2016, for which he was previously jailed. A statement from the victim's mother was read in court, expressing her anxiety and sense of failure: "Steve never made me aware he had previous convictions. It’s made me feel really anxious for my son, that he’s had to go through this. It’s been a really horrible time. It’s disheartening and sinister, I feel like a failure for not protecting him."

Deeming Lott "dangerous" under court definitions, Judge Cohen imposed an extended sentence to protect children. Lott received a four-year custodial term, followed by three years on licence until 2032. He may be eligible for release after two years and ten months, subject to parole board approval; otherwise, he will serve the full term. The Metropolitan Police released his custody image on 10 September 2024.