“Dangerous” Predator Removed from Streets: Steven Murphy Jailed
The community of Preston can sleep a little safer tonight knowing that a calculated and dangerous sexual predator has been removed from society. Steven Murphy, a 45-year-old registered sex offender, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at Preston Crown Court after a trial exposed his horrific betrayal of a mother and her young daughter. The court, recognizing the severe threat he poses to the public, also handed him an eight-year extended licence, formally classifying him as a “dangerous offender.” For the victims, who endured the trauma of his actions and the ordeal of a trial, this sentencing marks the end of a nightmare and the beginning of a long road to healing.
A Betrayal Born on Social Media
The case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can hide behind a digital screen. The court heard how Murphy, already a registered sex offender, initiated contact with the girl’s mother through social media. What began as an online interaction led to a meeting that would shatter a family’s sense of safety. Murphy manipulated his way into their lives, hiding his predatory nature behind a mask of normalcy.
However, his true intentions were revealed in a terrifying manner. Murphy was convicted of sexually assaulting the woman and, in a truly heart-wrenching turn of events, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault against her 12-year-old daughter. The trial revealed the harrowing detail that Murphy had climbed into the young girl’s bed, violating the one place a child should feel most secure. Despite his denial of the charges, the jury saw through his lies, delivering guilty verdicts that validated the victims’ bravery in coming forward.
Justice Served for a “Dangerous” Offender
The designation of “dangerous offender” is not given lightly, and in the case of Steven Murphy, it underscores the severity of his actions and the risk he poses to women and children. By targeting a vulnerable family and exploiting a mother’s trust to access her child, Murphy demonstrated a level of depravity that demands a robust response from the justice system. The 11-year custodial sentence ensures he is punished for his crimes, while the extended licence period provides a safety net for the community upon his eventual release.
Lancashire Police have welcomed the sentence, hoping it sends a clear message that sexual violence will be met with the full force of the law. While the legal chapter is closed, the emotional impact on the mother and daughter remains. Their courage in standing up to a predator has ensured that he cannot harm others, and for that, the community owes them a debt of gratitude. We stand with the survivors today, honoring their strength and hoping that this verdict brings them a measure of peace.