Stephen Cawvey

Stephen Cawvey, a 57-year-old resident of May Place in Basingstoke, Hampshire, has been sentenced for possessing and making indecent images of children, including material depicting child rape. The case came to light following an investigation into his activities between April 22, 2021, and January 13, 2022, during which he created one Category A indecent image, three Category B images, and three Category C images of children.

Cawvey appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on April 1, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. Despite the serious nature of the offences, described in court reports as involving a paedophile in possession of images of child rape, he was not imprisoned but instead received a community order lasting until November 6, 2026. This order includes multiple requirements aimed at preventing further harm, such as a two-month curfew from 9pm to 6am daily starting May 7, 2025, enforced by electronic tagging at his home in May Place.

In addition to the curfew, Cawvey must adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) effective until May 6, 2030. The SHPO imposes strict controls on his internet usage, prohibiting possession of any internet-enabled devices without prior police approval. Approved devices must retain full internet history, and Cawvey is required to permit police inspections or the installation of monitoring software at any time. He is also banned from using apps that delete communications or browsing history, such as Snapchat and WhatsApp, and from employing anonymous browsing tools like TOR.

Further measures include mandatory registration as a sex offender for five years from May 7, 2025, with regular reporting to Basingstoke Police Station. Cawvey was ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge, both to be deducted from his benefits. His mobile phone was forfeited under the court's deprivation of property order. The sentencing reflects the court's assessment of the case, balancing the gravity of the child sex offences with other mitigating factors, though no specific quotes from the judge or defence were detailed in the reporting.

This case was reported by the Basingstoke Gazette, highlighting local court proceedings in line with journalistic standards for transparency in criminal justice matters. The offences fall under UK laws prohibiting the creation and possession of indecent images of children, with Category A representing the most severe material involving penetrative sexual activity or sadism.