Stephen Ireland, a prominent LGBT activist and co-founder of Surrey Pride in the United Kingdom, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old boy. Ireland, who previously targeted author J.K. Rowling online for her defense of women’s rights, was found guilty of a series of sexual offenses involving minors.
The abuse took place at Ireland’s apartment in Addlestone, where the child told police he was given methamphetamine, shown pornography, and sexually assaulted. The victim initially claimed to be 17 on a dating app but later told Ireland he was only 13. Ireland’s response, according to the court: “OK — we just have to keep it a secret.”
The court also heard that Ireland asked the child if he would repeat the acts with another adult — David Sutton, a fellow Surrey Pride volunteer — who has also been convicted on related charges. Sutton was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for possession of child pornography and an extreme pornographic image.
Judge Patricia Lees condemned Ireland’s behavior, saying, “You took advantage of a vulnerable boy. Far from being repulsed, you were excited and tried to repeat it.”
In addition to rape, Ireland was convicted of arranging the commission of a child sex offense, voyeurism, and possession and distribution of indecent images of children. His sentence includes an extended supervision period, meaning he will be monitored beyond the 24-year prison term due to the risk he poses to the public.
Ireland had long positioned himself as a progressive voice, using his platform to attack Rowling and others who have raised concerns about the erasure of women’s spaces and the medicalization of children. In 2020, Ireland posted, “The sorting hat has decided… @JK_Rowling ‘House of TERF,’” echoing a term used by trans activists to smear women who advocate for biological sex-based rights.
Rowling, who had previously endured repeated online abuse from Ireland, commented on the conviction after it was handed down. “Stephen Ireland, who targeted me with endless abuse on here because I oppose the chemical castration of children and the removal of protected spaces for women and girls, has just been sentenced to 30 years in jail for child rape,” she posted.
Stephen Ireland, who targeted me with endless abuse on here because I oppose the chemical castration of children and the removal of protected spaces for women and girls, has just been sentenced to 30 years in jail for child rape. pic.twitter.com/0HHctRocB4
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 30, 2025