Sister fights to save vulnerable Brit, 18, accused of smuggling meth to Japan
An 18-year-old Londoner is being held in Japan after allegedly being caught with over a kilo of meth - in a case his sister claims was sparked by brutal exploitation by British gang members.
Sean Stephenson, from Charlton in South East London, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged five and has a history of self-harm, suicide attempts, and learning difficulties. His family say he has a much lower mental age, no criminal history, and is extremely vulnerable - insisting he was groomed and coerced.
Sean disappeared on Father's Day, telling his family he was going on a 'sightseeing trip' to Canada. But after an onward flight to Japan, he was arrested on June 21 with a locked suitcase allegedly containing more than a kilo of methamphetamine, MyLondon reports.
His sister Ami Lee says Sean 'acted under pressure' from gang members who threatened to break his legs and harm his family. 'I have not eaten. I have not slept. I'm a nervous wreck,' 33-year-old Ms Lee told MyLondon, with just over a week until Sean faces a Tokyo judge. 'I am scared we are gonna get a call to say 'Your brother has taken his own life'. That is my biggest fear when he's innocent. I just want to get him home.'
Ms Lee says Sean told her through his lawyer that he was followed to Heathrow Airport and threatened with violence if he didn't board the flight. She also claims he was threatened with a broken Smirnoff Ice bottle around two weeks before his arrest. Police were reportedly called to the June 10 incident, though Sean didn't press charges.
'He's not in a gang, he's very very vulnerable,' she said. 'He's quite a people pleaser. He would do anything to please people and make friends because Sean has got no friends. He's got nine nieces and nephews. He's more on their level. My sister is 18-years-old and she does not come around and play tag or it with people.'
Sean's family have taken their concerns to both the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), but claim they've been sent from pillar to post and are still waiting for action. They are calling for a swift investigation, including CCTV from Heathrow and police records of the June 10 callout.
Experts warn autistic teenagers are especially vulnerable to gang grooming due to their difficulty detecting lies and desire for social connection.
Reacting to the response of both forces, Ms Lee said: 'Who is responsible? He has been groomed on UK soil. He could get free if we can prove he was followed to the airport. I would understand if my brother was a criminal. Do a background check then. He's a law-abiding citizen. He's never done anything wrong. We may never see my little brother again.'
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