The co-founder of a Surrey LGBT+ group has been found guilty of raping a 12-year-old schoolboy he met on the dating app Grindr.
Stephen Ireland, who co-founded Pride in Surrey, was convicted alongside David Sutton following a trial at Guildford Crown Court.
The attack took place in April 2024 at the 41-year-old’s flat in Addlestone, which he shared with Sutton, 27.
Sutton, who also volunteered with the LGBT+ organisation, was found guilty of three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possession of an extreme pornographic image.
The pair were convicted at Guildford Crown Court (file pic)
PA
Ireland was found guilty of multiple offences including rape, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, and making indecent images of children.
The pair were acquitted of conspiring to kidnap a child, while Sutton was cleared of conspiring to sexually assault a child.
Both men also pleaded guilty to additional charges including possessing prohibited images of children.
The court heard how the 12-year-old boy had met Ireland at his flat after messaging on the dating app Grindr.
Ireland suggested they kiss and watch pornography, after which they had sex, smoked a bong and played pornography on a laptop.
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Ireland was found guilty of multiple offences including rape, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, and making indecent images of children
PA
Both men later attempted to cover up their offending by deleting material from their phones once they became aware of the police investigation.
Head of Surrey Police’s public protection team Debbie White 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.
“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.”
Pride in Surrey released a statement expressing “heartfelt thoughts and solidarity with the victims and their families” following the verdicts.
The organisation said it “utterly condemns the crimes that have been brought to light.”
“The two individuals were removed from the organisation in June 2024 following initial investigations by Surrey Police,” the statement continued.
The group confirmed they had assisted police with their investigation, adding: “We remain committed to prioritising the safety and well being of our community.”
The pair will be sentenced on June 30.