Pride in Surrey went ahead today. Its founder was convicted of child rape. Two directors were sexually involved with him. No review. No new leadership. You’d think they’d pause.
You’d be wrong.
A 🧵on the day…
1/ Firstly, a parade along the high Street in Guildford. Guildford MP @ZoeFranklinLD and Lib Dem leader of Guildford Council, @JuliaMcShane in attendance.
2/

We’ve noticed some inaccuracies circulating about the Pride in Surrey trial. @Women_of_Surrey were the only outlet to attend the full proceedings and has been scrutinising the organisation for several years. Here’s where we set the record straight. 🧵
1/ Claim 1: Rape of the 12-year-old victim was filmed.
Fact: It wasn’t. The filmed encounter involved Sutton and an of age teenager 16/17 yrs. Ireland watched via webcam—without the man’s consent. Another teenager (of age) gave consent but regretted it
2/

The Telegraph uncovers explosive claims against Pride in Surrey—from whistleblowers inside the org and voices outside. The big question: who knew what, and when?
Article in reply 👇
#Whistleblower #Safeguarding #Complaints
1/ Volunteers from within Pride in Surrey raised concerns with Surrey County Council over four years ago. Residents also contacted other supporters, including Woking and Guildford Borough Councils. All appear to have been ignored.



2/ telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/0…

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue (HMICFRS) has published their report to the effectiveness of vetting, professional standards, and counter-corruption arrangements in @SurreyPolice
Let’s take a look……..
👇
1/ There are 469 personnel who either don’t hold current vetting or the right level of vetting for their role. 30 people in the force whose vetting had expired so they didn’t have valid vetting clearance for their role.
2/

1/ Stephen Ireland, founder of @PrideInSurrey has been found guilty of r*pe of a 12 year old child. In addition, both he and David Sutton, a volunteer at Pride in Surrey, have been found guilty of other offences including voyeurism, making and distributing indecent photographs of children and intending to pervert the cause of justice . #Guilty 2/ Women of Surrey have been present at the trials of Stephen Ireland and David Sutton and we believe it’s time for Pride in Surrey to close its doors. Here’s why
👇

Today's poll - sportswomen who have spoken up on behalf of sports for women and girls. This is the toughest choice yet (personal opinion). Details in the following tweets in the thread but really, no introductions are necessary.
1/x Candidates in alphabetical order by surname. First, gold medal winning boxer, @NicolaAdamsOBE. This tweet below had many on the edge of their seats..and those that followed were worth the wait. Thank you.
#SaveWomensSport
2/x

Introducing our 3rd candidate for the Handmaiden's Edition of the Gender Poll: Julie Bentley, formerly of the Girl Guides now CEO at Samaritans. During her tenure, the Girl Guides became a mixed sex organisation.
🧵 1/x Bentley left the Guides in 2018, after the formerly all girl organisation became 'inclusive', as usual without formal consultation and failing to respond to concerns.
🧵 2/x
fairplayforwomen.com/guide-leaders-…