Former Cardiff University lecturer has confessed to kissing a 15-year-old girl

He groomed the victim on social media and arranged to meet her in Bute Park

2 months ago

A former Cardiff University lecturer has confessed to kissing a 15-year-old girl.

Steven Stanley, 46, who was a senior lecturer in the School of Social Sciences told his wife that he had kissed the victim.

Wales Online reports that his wife disclosed the matter to the police, calling him a “sexual predator and a paedophile”.

Stanley was then arrested and subsequently admitted to having met the girl online, also adding that she had visited his flat, but denied accusations of grooming her.

He told his wife that he had posted an online advertisement titled “BDSM student-teacher dynamics in a generation Z context.”

Stanley used social media sites such as MySpace, Bebo and Skype in the mid 2000s to groom his victim. Despite knowing the girl’s age, he met her in Bute Park and kissed her, making her feel uncomfortable. Following this, he invited her to his apartment where he played guitar for her before she departed and hurried to a train station.

The former lecturer is also currently under investigation for engaging in inappropriate relationships with students.

In a police interview at her family home, the victim was shaken when hearing the defendant’s name. She also admits to having trust and behavioural issues due to her experience with Stanley.

The victim’s personal statement was read out to the court by prosecutor James Wilson. Wales Online reported it said: “I met him when I was a young teenager, I was a vulnerable young person and had problems at home. Thinking back now I realise how vulnerable I came across to Steven.

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“What happened [took] a long time to put to the back of my mind due to shame on my part. I’ve come to realise shame does not lie with me. I have some life long behavioural issues because of what happened. It’s hard to trust people now, I can’t trust people for who they show me they are. What if they have some capability to manipulate or lie to me.

“I have suffered terribly with mental health which I am extremely open about as it consumes a large part of my life. I was used by a person professional qualified to understand my issues. One of the most stressful things I have had to do. The emotional damage I’ve had will be a lifelong battle to carry. I can’t erase a memory.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to feel the way I have to and to know there are other people is devastating and unacceptable… I am aware and extremely vigilant of people like [the defendant] and will be extremely cautious when it comes to my own children.”

Stanley appeared at Newport Crown Court for a sentencing hearing where he pleaded guilty to inciting the underage victim to engage in sexual activity. The court also heard he was of previous good character.

Judge Daniel Williams issued a 24-month community order for the former lecturer which includes 150 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, sex offender notification requirements, and a restraining order, each of which will remain in effect for five years.

According to mitigation lawyer Christopher Rees KC, his client, Stephen Stanley, now looks to find a new job as his university lecturer career is very much over.