Founder of Pride Surrey, Stephen Ireland, Charged with Multiple Counts of Child Abuse

40-year-old Stephen Ireland, the founder of Pride in Surrey and patron of LGBT+ charity Educate and Celebrate, has been accused of 37 child sexual abuse offences taking place over two years, beginning in 2022.

The former director of Pride in Surrey and advocate of trans rights is accused of multiple offences including rape, voyeurism, making indecent images of young children and plotting to kidnap a child.

Alongside Ireland in court was 26-year-old David Sutton, a Surrey Pride volunteer who is also accused of voyeurism and conspiracy to kidnap a youngster. 

Both Stephen Ireland and David Sutton have been remanded into custody where they will remain until they reappear in court on the 12th of September. 

A spokesperson for Pride in Surrey told Surrey Live that the organisation had “been made aware of an investigation that has been conducted involving two former volunteers, both of whom have now been charged.”

According to the spokesperson, Stephen Ireland and David Sutton have been suspended from the charity and Ireland has been removed as director. 

Abuse Claims UK and Claiming Compensation for Child Sexual Abuse

Child abuse is a heinous crime that impacts young people well into adulthood. At Abuse Claims UK, we are experienced in handling sensitive cases such as the one you have read about today. If you have experienced sexual abuse as a child and want to claim compensation or claim on behalf of another young person, we can confidently hold your hand and ensure that you never feel alone throughout the process.

If you have any questions about child sexual abuse or any other violent crime, please get in touch with one of our dedicated solicitors on 0151 242 5111 or email us in complete confidence at [email protected].