Stephen Tate 69

Description

A man has been jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice.

The incident happened in the sauna at Hyndburn Leisure Centre in Accrington on 16th January 2022.

Stephen Tate, 69, approached his victim and without warning performed a sexual act on him.

The victim, who was 19 at the time and has severe learning difficulties, did not want that to happen.

He reported the incident to his dad, who had come to collect him and pointed out Tate to him.

The victim’s dad told Tate to wait but he ignored him and got into his black BMW and drove off.

The victim’s dad took note of the vehicle registration number and reported the matter to the police.

Tate, of Gordon Street, Church, was arrested and later charged with engaging in Sexual Activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice. He was found guilty following a trial at Preston Crown Court in December last year.

Tate returned to the same court today (29th April) where he was jailed for six years. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was barred from working with children and vulnerable people. Tate was also made subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which bans him from entering any public sauna, steam room or solarium