A 62-year-old man from Folkestone has been sentenced to prison after attempting to meet a teenage boy for sex following a prolonged period of online grooming. Stephen Sussams engaged in a disturbing campaign of abuse that lasted two weeks before police intervened.
The abuse began on 4 July 2025 when Sussams contacted the boy through a messaging app. Initially, he gained the boy’s trust by discussing everyday topics before shifting the conversation to explicit content. Over the next two weeks, Sussams sent the boy numerous explicit messages via Snapchat and other social media platforms, requesting indecent images and describing sexual acts he intended to perform if they met.
On 23 July 2025, police arrested Sussams as he waited to meet the victim. During the arrest, he refused to provide his phone password. He was charged with multiple offences including arranging a child sex offence and attempted sexual communication with a child.
On 12 November 2025, Canterbury Crown Court sentenced Sussams, who lives on Biggins Wood Road, to two and a half years in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be required to register as a sex offender upon release.
Detective Constable Jess Meadway commented on the case, stating, “This was a thorough and swift investigation, which enabled us to apprehend a dangerous offender quickly. Sussams’ actions were deplorable. 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.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
