Ex-Firefighter Jailed for Online Child Exploitation
A former firefighter from Long Eaton has been locked up for seven years after exploiting children online and paying them for explicit images and videos.
Robert Stevenson, 31, was found guilty of multiple offences, including inciting the sexual exploitation of children and creating indecent photographs of minors. The sentencing took place at Derby Crown Court on September 27.
How the Shocking Crimes Came to Light
The police probe kicked off when a 15-year-old girl reported Stevenson threatened to release an explicit picture of her online. He first contacted her via Instagram, offering £100 for explicit photos, before shifting to Snapchat. Stevenson lied about his age, falsely claiming to be 17.
When arrested, Stevenson’s devices revealed messages to numerous underage girls nationwide. Bank statements showed he paid several victims for explicit content. In one case, he sent a photo of himself in firefighter uniform, pretending to be 19.
Police Comment and Further Measures
Detective Sergeant Sophie Draycott, Child Sexual Exploitation Supervisor, said: “His behaviour was appalling and repeated. I am pleased that he has now been brought to justice for his crimes and is serving a prison sentence.”
In addition to jail, Stevenson was slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender.
