Story perspectives

Teesside Court Sentences Three for Child Sexual Offenses

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Stephen Greaves was sentenced on 31 July to two years and eight months in prison for attempting to meet a child under 16.
James Madgin received a seven-year term at Teesside Crown Court for attempting to arrange the rape of a 12-year-old girl and possessing 983 indecent images of children.
Justin Swaddle was sentenced on 10 August 2026 to a two-year term, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and registration after abusing 117 girls, eight in the UK.

History

Historical Context

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 replaced the 1956 legislation, redefining a child as under 18 and creating specific child-exploitation offences; it entered force on 1 May 2004. By 2026 the Act still underpinned prosecutions, as seen in Teesside Crown Court convictions of Stephen Greaves, James Madgin and Justin Swaddle, reinforcing its long-term impact.

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Story summary

Stephen Greaves was sentenced on 31 July to two years and eight months in prison for attempting to meet a child under 16.
James Madgin received a seven-year term at Teesside Crown Court for attempting to arrange the rape of a 12-year-old girl and possessing 983 indecent images of children.
Justin Swaddle was sentenced on 10 August 2026 to a two-year term, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and registration after abusing 117 girls, eight in the UK.

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