A vile predator has been locked up for attempting to meet a teenage boy for sex. Stephen Sussams, 62, travelled from his home in Folkestone with sick intentions after grooming the boy online.
Social Media Grooming Horror
The nightmare began on 4 July 2025 when Sussams contacted the boy via a messaging app. He built the boys trust by chatting about everyday stuff before turning the conversation filthy.
- For two weeks, Sussams bombarded the boy with graphic messages on Snapchat and other platforms.
- He begged for indecent images and detailed the sexual acts he planned to commit if they met.
Arrest and Sentence
Police swooped on 23 July 2025 as Sussams waited for the boy. He refused to hand over his phone password at the time of arrest.
The pervert faced multiple charges, including arranging a child sex offence and attempted sexual communication with a child.
On 12 November 2025, Canterbury Crown Court sentenced Sussams, of Biggins Wood Road, to two and a half years behind bars. He will also face a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandatory inclusion on the sex offender register after release.
Police Speak Out
This was a thorough and swift investigation, which enabled us to apprehend a dangerous offender quickly. Sussams actions were deplorable, said Detective Constable Jess Meadway. His arrest sends a clear message that Kent Police will pursue offenders relentlessly. We remain committed to ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held fully accountable.