perverse Woman who was 24 when she had sex with teenage schoolboy is jailed for 21 months

A woman who was 24-years-of-age when she lured a teenage schoolboy to her home where she had sex with him while her boyfriend was at work has been jailed for 21 months. 

Laura Stephenson, who is now 28, had exchanged “flirty” messages with the boy before inviting him to the home she shared with her boyfriend in 2018, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

Stephenson was jailed after admitting two counts of sexual activity with a child and was also handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and ordered to pay victim costs of £140.

Her victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered mental health issues and disclosed the abuse to his GP before a referral was made to social care.

When interviewed, Stephenson admitted the pair had sex, but she argued it was consensual and although she felt guilty, attempted to blame her victim, South Yorkshire Police said.

She also attempted to blame her victim, while saying she felt guilty about her conduct.

After she was sentenced, investigating officer Natalie Duffy said Stephenson was aware that her actions were “wrong” but pursued the teen regardless.

“Stephenson claimed she knew her actions were wrong due to the boy's age, but this wasn't enough to stop her, and instead she presented a number of excuses for her perverse actions,” Ms Duffy said.

“She exploited a family's trust in her and I'm thankful that this is reflected in her receiving a custodial sentence and being placed on the register."

Investigating officer Duffy also praised the boy for coming forward and assisting the police with their investigations into Stephenson.

She said: “I would like to praise the victim for the tremendous courage he has shown throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“Abuse like this can have life-long, damaging impacts for victims and we will do all we can, alongside social care, to support those at risk and seek justice on their behalf.

“If you have been affected by sexual abuse, please know that we are here, we will listen to you and we will do all we can to support you.”