Surrey Pride co-founder Stephen Ireland convicted of raping boy, 12

Stephen Ireland, 41, co-founder of Pride in Surrey, was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old boy he met on Grindr, as well as multiple other child sex offences, during a trial at Guildford Crown Court. Ireland was convicted of several charges including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of children. His accomplice, David Sutton, 27, was also found guilty of making indecent photographs of children and possession of an extreme pornographic image. The trial revealed disturbing details of how the pair lured the victim and discussed targeting other children. Both men were acquitted of some charges, including conspiracy to kidnap, but faced a total of 38 offences together. The case has raised concerns over child safety and the responsibilities of organizations within the LGBTQ+ community.