Search results for Durham

Description

A man described by police as a “serial perpetrator” of violence has been jailed.

Owen Rowe came under investigation in early 2024 after a woman reported being raped and assaulted by Rowe.

The now 23-year-old had used emotional blackmail against his accuser, saying he would take his own life if she reported his behaviour.

The woman also reported Rowe was controlling, possessive and jealous.

During initial police interviews he admitted a “minor” assault on the woman but he continued to deny raping her and he even accused her of controlling behaviour.

Following a lengthy and extremely complex investigation in which a number of our officers dealt with separate allegations from different victims, Rowe was convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) and rape of the original complainant, as well as with sexual assault and common assault on another woman, and with an attempted serious assault on a man.

And on Monday (19th October) Rowe was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an additional three years on licence.

At the hearing Rowe was referred to as a “dangerous offender”.

The officer who investigated the report of rape and CCB, DC Kirby from the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit (PVP), said:

“This was an extremely complex investigation which seemed to grow and grow as additional information, allegations and counter allegations came into us.

“Throughout the investigation and trial, Rowe continued to deny what he’d done, minimising his actions and behaviour. Throughout enquiries, though, we remained steadfast and determined to establish the truth while keeping our victims updated and appropriately safeguarded throughout.

“I believe our perseverance has paid off and I’m relieved to hear Rowe has received a considerable sentence.

“I hope this outcome brings comfort to both women and the male victim who suffered at Rowe’s hands; I’d like to thank them all for supporting our enquiries over such a long time and I wish them well for the future.

“Finally, all our communities should be warned that Cleveland Police will not tolerate violence of any kind – sexual, physical or emotional - and we will always do everything we can to protect victims and bring perpetrators before the courts."

Description

A Newton Aycliffe man has been jailed for 12 years after raping and sexually assaulting a woman while she slept, then begging her not to tell police.

Teesside Crown Court heard that officers attended a property following an anonymous report but received no immediate response. The woman later told them that Aaron Waldron, 29, of Honister Place, had raped her as she slept, sexually assaulted her, and hidden her phone so she could not call for help. The court was told he begged her not to disclose what he had done.

Waldron denied rape, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, claiming any sexual activity was consensual and that the woman was not asleep. He stood trial from 29 June to 3 July and was convicted of all three counts.

He appeared by video link from Holme House Prison for sentencing on 2 October, after probation reports were prepared. A victim statement described the “devastating impact” of the offences on her physical and mental health.

Waldron has no previous sexual convictions but has a past conviction for violence. Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe KC said aggravating factors included that Waldron was under the influence of alcohol, that he tried to persuade the victim not to report the offences, and the added degradation and humiliation she suffered. The Recorder said Waldron poses a danger to women, but decided an extended sentence was not required.

He imposed a 12-year prison term. Waldron must serve two-thirds before release on licence. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

An indefinite restraining order bans him from contacting or approaching the victim, or going to any address where he knows she may be.

Description

An abuser who raped one girl and sexually assaulted another has been jailed for 17 years.

Liam Fox raped the young girl on an isolated railway embankment in Darlington around ten years ago.

His offending came to light when the girl, who had told nobody what had happened at the time, broke down and bravely disclosed Fox’s actions to her mother several years later.

Police were called and an investigation was launched, led by Darlington Safeguarding Team.

Through their enquiries, investigators discovered that Fox had sexually abused another young girl over a number of years.

The 34-year-old, from Darlington, was arrested and charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty on all counts following a trial at Teesside Crown Court earlier this year.

Fox returned to court on Tuesday (September 29) where he was jailed for 17 years.

He was also made subject to a year sexual harm prevention order, restricting him from having contact with any female child under the age of 16 for 20 years, as well as an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting either of the girls.

Investigative Officer Chris Jung, who led the investigation, said:

“First and foremost, I want to commend these young women for having the bravery to disclose what had happened to police.

“It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against an abuser, but by standing up to Fox and having their voices heard, they have helped to take a dangerous offender off the streets, who poses a clear risk to children.

“Fox is a predator who subjected these girls to appalling abuse and then put them both through the ordeal of a trial. A jury unanimously convicted him for these offences, and I hope both survivors can take comfort from that and seeing him sentenced.”

Description

Damian Parkin, 30, from Durham, has been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court today (2 October) to 37 months in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking indecent images of a child, and perverting the course of justice.

Parkin was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The victim was additionally granted a five-year restraining order against him. Having previously pleaded guilty, he received a reduced sentence and the victim was not required to give evidence at trial.

It was on Thursday 13 March 2026, when North Yorkshire Police received a referral from Children's Services regarding concerns of child grooming and sexual exploitation involving a 15-year-old girl.

The concerns were initially raised by a family member, who reported inappropriate behaviour by a then-29-year-old man towards the child. During the investigation, evidence revealed a sustained pattern of grooming behaviour designed to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the victim for the offender's own sexual gratification.

The investigation found that the defendant had employed a number of grooming tactics. He first gained the trust of both the victim and her family by presenting himself as caring, supportive and understanding.

He then exploited the child's vulnerabilities, gradually creating an emotional dependency upon him. Throughout the course of their contact, the defendant provided the victim with a variety of gifts to foster a sense of loyalty and obligation towards him. The investigation established that the defendant deliberately sought to isolate the victim from her family and professionals involved in her care.

He created opportunities to spend time alone with the child, encouraged secrecy regarding their relationship, and progressively undermined the support and protection offered by trusted adults around her. The defendant attempted to normalise his behaviour by portraying the relationship as consensual and legitimate. This formed part of a wider pattern of manipulation designed to reduce the likelihood of disclosure and maintain his control over the victim.

Following the seizure and examination of the defendant's digital devices,  extensive communications between him and the victim were recovered, which included evidence that he had actively coached the victim on how to avoid detection and conceal the nature of their contact.

Additionally, officers located nine Category C indecent images of the victim that had been created by the defendant.

The evidence gathered during the investigation demonstrated a calculated and deliberate course of conduct, in which the defendant exploited a vulnerable child through manipulation, isolation and coercive influence in order to facilitate her sexual exploitation.

Detective Constable Lauren Batey of North Yorkshire Police, said:

"This conviction demonstrates our commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and bringing those who prey on vulnerable young people before the courts.

"Cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) are often hidden and victims may not always recognise they are being exploited or feel able to speak about what is happening. I would encourage those who have concerns about a child to report these concerns.

"We take all reports of CSE seriously and work closely with out safeguarding partners to ensure children receive the protection and support they need."

Description

Two child sexual predators have been jailed – after arranging to travel overseas to abuse children. 

Carl Simmons, 51, and Kevin Smith, 42, are now behind bars after they were caught making arrangements to carry out sexual abuse of young children overseas – even booking flights and preparing for travel.

Thankfully, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Durham Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team took immediate action and arrested both males preventing them from travelling abroad.

In October last year, Simmons and Smith both made an arrangement online to sexually abuse and rape children overseas. 

They both used sexually explicit language and Simmons even sent sexual images of himself.

However, what they didn’t realise was they were actually speaking to a police officer who was quickly closing in on the evil pair through their investigation.

Simmons and Smith were both arrested in October 2025 and subsequently charged with arranging the commission of a child sex offence and later pleaded guilty.

Today (Monday) they appeared at Teesside Crown Court and Simmons, of Tilery Close, Bowburn, Durham, and Smith, of Grangefield Road, Stockton-on-Tees, were both sentenced to six years imprisonment, a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite Sex Offender Registration.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said:

“Both Simmons and Smith made their vile desires very clear, and their actions demonstrated the lengths they would go and the money they would pay to sexually abuse children.

“They’ll now face the consequences of their actions thanks to the hard work of officers.”

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police – support is available and you can help safeguard other vulnerable children.”

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Harrison Strange jailed for 13 years after raping three teenage girls

Harrison Strange, 21, of Snowdrop Close, Spennymoor, has been jailed for 13 years after raping three vulnerable teenage girls, two of them while he was on bail.

Strange was a teenager when he carried out the offences. Teesside Crown Court heard he targeted the girls when they were heavily intoxicated. He is a father of one.

Prosecutor Annie Richardson said the first victim was attacked in a field in County Durham after drinking heavily with friends. She told a friend what had happened and that recording was played to the jury. Strange was arrested but denied rape, claiming the contact was consensual.

He was interviewed again shortly before committing the next two rapes, weeks apart.

The second victim went to Strange’s home believing there was a party. The court heard he plied her with alcohol and raped her in his bedroom while her friend slept on the floor.

The third attack was at a campsite in North Yorkshire. Strange raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who had been drinking while her friend slept in the same tent. He also sent the youngest victim a picture of a penis.

Strange was convicted in separate trials of raping all three girls, and of assault by penetration and engaging in sexual activity with a child against one of them.

Defence barrister Peter Sabiston told the judge Strange was himself a teenager at the time of the offences.

Sentencing him to 13 years for the three rapes, Judge Richard Bennett said:

“The impact on each of these girls has been significant. Your pre-sentence report makes troubling reading.

“The complete denial of offences is not unusual for someone who has been convicted of sexual offences. In your case, you go on to victim blame – suggesting one had made a false complaint and the two others were motivated by financial gain.

“I reject all of that completely, as did the jury.

“I am satisfied there is clear evidence of sexual entitlement and misogyny. Your offending was persistent, not isolated.

“It was exploitative and the presence of others did not act as a deterrent to you.”

Strange must sign the sex offenders’ register for life. He was also given indefinite restraining orders and a 20-year sexual harm prevention order.

Description

Robert Ashcroft, of no fixed address, groomed the child from December 2025.

The 41-year-old targeted and sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions up until February 2026 when she found the courage to disclose what he had done.

After it was reported to police, he was arrested and questioned in custody before being charged with six counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also charged with a separate attempted burglary offence.

Ashcroft initially denied the offences against him until after the child had given evidence in court. He then changed his plea to guilty.

On Friday 4 September Ashcroft appeared at Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced to 10 years and five months imprisonment. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 15 years and will be on the sex offenders register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Ashcroft was caught by the occupant who watched him via doorbell footage trying to break in.

He was arrested nearby on the day it occurred on Monday 7 July 2025.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Emily Thompson, from Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, said:

“Ashcroft exploited and abused the young child and refused to accept responsibility for his heinous actions. It was only until a week before the trial after putting the child through unparallelled stress and trauma that he admitted to what he had done.

“I want to commend her for the courage and strength shown throughout the investigation. The resilience she has demonstrated throughout has been remarkable for such a young person and I sincerely hope she is proud of herself for that.

“While no sentence can undo the harm and trauma caused, I believe the length of this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences. I hope it provides the child and the family a sense of justice and enables her to move forward with her life.

“Finally, I want to remind anyone else who is suffering abuse of any kind that help is available and I urge and encourage you to come forward. We have specially trained officers who will listen to you, who will believe you and who will support you - frequently supplemented by help from our expert local agencies."

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Kenneth Barnes jailed after further child image offences

A County Durham man given a suspended sentence last November for possessing indecent images of children has been jailed after committing further similar offences while being managed in the community.

Kenneth Barnes, 50, of Charles Street, Easington Colliery, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court to 15 months in prison. That total includes six months activated from a 10-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, imposed in November after he admitted possessing indecent images of children in all three categories of severity. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and sex offender registration, both for 10 years.

Prosecutor Ralf Xhepa said Barnes was being managed by police and the Probation Service as “a high-risk offender.” On 17 February his risk manager and a digital officer attended his home and seized his mobile phone. Examination found he had downloaded further indecent images of children.

He was arrested on 17 April. In interview he only accepted that the phone was his. Mr Xhepa said that between the November conviction and the February seizure Barnes downloaded a further 80 indecent images, including 13 in the most serious category.

After initial denials, Barnes admitted three further counts of making indecent images of children in late July.

Chris Morrison, defending, said Barnes had completed an overnight home curfew and 10 rehabilitation activity sessions under the November sentence. The phone seized in the earlier investigation had later been returned to him. “He continued to use it, something he’s very remorseful about and, when it was explained to me, the return of the device was, perhaps, ill-advised.”

Mr Morrison said Barnes had struggled with his circumstances and lived “a very solitary and isolated life in Easington.” He added that Barnes had found it difficult on remand since April.

Recorder Mark McKone imposed the 15-month sentence and warned that any further similar offending could lead to an extended prison term. Barnes remains subject to the SHPO and notification requirements imposed in November.

Description

A man who arranged to meet a child for sex has been jailed – after he was caught by officers online.

David Horne, 57, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after he arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl he had been speaking to online.

However, he was actually speaking to an officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) conducting an investigation alongside the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) with the support of Durham Constabulary.

Following his arrest on March 9, he was subsequently charged with a number of sexual offences including, attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child, attempt to cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity, attempt to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On Wednesday (August 19) he appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to all charges on May 21.

Horne was sentenced to a total of nine years imprisonment.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Georgina Lewis, said:

“This has been a complex investigation which has thankfully helped secured a great outcome at court.

“Horne is behind bars for a substantial amount of time where he will no longer be a danger to children.
“I want to thank our partners in ERSOU and Durham Constabulary who supported us in this investigation – another strong display of the power of partnership working.

“Under Operational Sentinel, we will continue to work with our partners to tackle online child abuse and sexual exploitation and would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of offending, or has concerns about someone’s behaviour, to come forward and talk to police.”

Description

A violent abuser who strangled a woman to the point of passing out has been jailed.

Stuart Benton left the woman fearing like she was going to die, and when she tried to ring 999, he grabbed her phone and smashed it.

In another incident, the 27-year-old pinned the woman down and stripped her clothes off before kicking and stamping on her.

Benton, of Peterlee, was arrested by police after the woman told her mother what had happened.

He was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, two counts of sexual assault, and intentional strangulation.

Benton initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, but changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was due to start.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday (August 11) where he was jailed for six years and three months.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman.

A spokesman from Peterlee CID, who led the investigation, said:

“Benton is a violent and dangerous individual, who put the woman through unimaginable suffering and pain.

“We’d like to commend her for the strength she has shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to Benton and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous man off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

Description

A brave survivor has spoken of the impact the night she was raped has had on her life as her rapist is handed an eight-year jail sentence. 

In a victim impact statement read in court, the survivor said:

"I will never forget the fear that I felt when this man took me to his house. I had no idea who he was. I had no idea where I was. I genuinely questioned if I would leave this place with my life.  

"There were so many thoughts running through my mind when I arrived at his house however, this man tried to reassure me and tell me that I was going to be safe and my boyfriend was coming. This was all a sick lie. 

"I don’t remember much of what happened in the room. I don’t want to remember. I do, however, remember how I felt. I remember not being able to move my body because I was so frozen with fear. I remember thinking “I am going to die”. I was thinking about my Children and how they would be able to live without a Mum. I just wanted it all to be over. 

"The next thing I remember is the police entering the room and I have never felt relief like it. I knew I was going to live. This was not the end of what happened to me. I feel like this was only the beginning."

In the early hours of 22 December 2025, the survivor walked through Piccadilly Gardens on her way to get a taxi home after a night out with a friend, while on the phone to her boyfriend. 

She realised she was being followed by two men and told her boyfriend; one of the men was Mohammed Al Masri. 

Al Masri approached the survivor and began to compliment her and wouldn't leave her alone. As she became upset, he falsely tried to provide her with some sense of compassion and offered to help her get a taxi home. 

The two men got in the taxi with her, and feeling unsafe, the survivor shared her location with her boyfriend who notified the police. 

Al Masri did not take her home; instead, he took her into his home in Abbey Hey, Manchester, where he raped her. Officers quickly arrived at the address and arrested him at the scene. The survivor was supported by specialist officers and an investigation commenced. Al Masri was found guilty following a trial in June 2026. 

On Friday 7 August 2026 at Minshull St Crown Court, Mohammed Al Masri (12/04/2001) of Gordon Street, Abbey Hey, was sentenced to eight years in prison after he was found guilty of rape. He was given a restraining order and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. 

The survivor continued:

"After it all happened, I felt like I was a zombie. I could not speak to anybody. I was numb. I was emotionless. I felt nothing. I couldn’t interact with my children and felt like I was unable to be a real mum. 

"I couldn’t leave the house. I was terrified. I did not trust anybody and couldn’t interact with anybody. I feel like I put myself in self-isolation. I was trying to process what happened but all I could think about was what this man has done to me.  

"I could not even rest in my own home due to the constant unsettling feeling of fear and anxiety running through me. It was constant. 

"People ask me if I’m okay and I say yes. In reality, I’m not. I am the one who has to deal with this and try and move on. I will never be able to forget what this man did to me. This man has changed me. When I met up with my friend on 21st December, I was a different person then, to who I am now.” 

"I will never be that person again because of what this man has done," she added.

Detective Constable Oliver Smith said:

"I'd like to thank the brave survivor for her courage and support throughout the process of this investigation. 

"I hope the sentencing of this vile sexual predator offers her a sense of solace while she looks to move on and rebuild her life. 

"I urge anyone who might have experienced rape or sexual assault to please come forward and report it. You will always be listened to and supported."

Description

A carer who groomed a vulnerable woman with dementia before forcing himself on her has been jailed.

Darren Williams was working as the woman’s in-home carer when he began sending her inappropriate text messages and buying gifts for her.

The 45-year-old then forced himself on the woman, who is in her sixties and living with mixed dementia, and made her have sex with him.

His offending came to light when the woman told her family what had happened and police were informed.

Williams was arrested by police, which led to his dismissal from the private care company.  

He was later charged with sexual activity by a care worker with a person suffering a mental disorder, which he admitted at a court hearing in February.

Williams, of Oakenshaw, near Crook, appeared back at Durham Crown Court on Friday (July 31) where he was jailed for 30 months.

In a victim impact statement, the woman’s son described the effect Williams’ offending had on his mother.

“He was not just a stranger. He was a professional with a duty of care,” he said. “His job was to be part of Susan’s daily life, to her sense of safety and to her social and emotional wellbeing. For someone living with dementia, this relationship was meant to be the support system around a life that is becoming harder to hold together. He destroyed that.

“Since the assault, Susan began to withdraw much more profoundly. The moments of clarity, of connection with her family sharply diminishing. The person who was meant to be her support became, in the cruellest way possible, a source of fear and confusion she cannot fully articulate or process.

“Her family believes, with good reason, that this assault has accelerated the progression of her disease. The psychological trauma inflicted on a person with dementia does not stay still. It compounds. What was taken from Susan was not only her dignity and her safety – it was time. Time with her family, time as herself.

“She deserved safety. She deserved dignity. She deserved to spend whatever time remains to her feeling protected and loved. That was taken from her by someone who knew exactly what he was doing, and chose to do it anyway.”

Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield, from Durham Constabulary’s West Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

He said:

“Williams’ actions represented an appalling abuse of trust. He exploited his position as a carer by pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable woman, despite being fully aware of her dementia.

“He visited her home address while off duty, targeted her with gifts, sent inappropriate messages, all while knowing she lacked the capacity to consent. This was particularly concerning given that he had received safeguarding training through his employment and should have understood both his professional responsibilities and the vulnerabilities of those in his care.

“The impact of his offending on the victim’s emotional and physical wellbeing has been significant.

“I would like to thank the victim’s family, as well as Williams’ colleagues, for raising concerns at the earliest opportunity. Their vigilance and prompt action were instrumental in bringing this offending to light and ensuring that Williams was held accountable for his actions.”

Description

A man who groomed a young girl before raping her in a park has been jailed.

Reggie Cannon was 19 when he began messaging the 14-year-old girl on Instagram, telling her he was aged 16 and still at school.

The messaging continued for several weeks, and Cannon came to meet the girl after she finished school on a number of occasions.

In December 2020, the pair met up in a park in Seaham where Cannon raped and sexually assaulted the girl.

He was arrested and a police investigation launched.

The 24-year-old, of Stanley, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and grooming, which he admitted at a previous court hearing.

He also admitted failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements, after failing to disclose he had changed addresses.

Cannon appeared at Durham Crown Court today (July 17) where he was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

He was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Investigative Officer Leanne Hogg, from Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

She said:

“I’d like to commend the young girl for the strength she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to Cannon and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous predator off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

Description

A 37-year-old man who was recently convicted of seven serious offences including rape, serious sexual assault, physical assaults, stalking, and coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) has been jailed for 15 years plus an additional five years on licence.

Dean Dowson was convicted of the offences at the end of May this year, and at Teesside Crown Court on Friday he learned not only that he would spend a considerable amount of time in prison but that he will also be subject to a lifelong restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and that he will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The court heard how his female victim was subjected to a sustained pattern of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. This included repeated acts of rape, violent and degrading sexual assaults and this caused serious psychological harm.

The offending formed part of a wider course of coercive and controlling behaviour, through which Dowson exercised power and control over the victim by monitoring her movements via cameras as well as checking her social media.

Dowson also stalked and harassed the woman until he was arrested outside her home address.

Speaking after court Officer in the case Temporary Detective Constable Seymour said:

"This was a sustained and serious campaign of abuse involving sexual violence, physical violence, and coercive and controlling behaviour. The victim was subjected to repeated acts of abuse, including rape and other serious sexual offences.

“Dowson refused to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse, forcing the victim to endure a lengthy and difficult trial.

“I would like to commend the victim for her immense strength and courage in coming forward and supporting this investigation. The resilience she has demonstrated throughout the case has been remarkable, and the quality of her evidence was instrumental in securing these convictions.

“While no sentence can undo the harm and trauma caused, I believe the length of this sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences. I hope this outcome provides the victim with a sense of justice and enables her to move forward with her life.

“Finally, I want to remind anyone else who is suffering abuse of any kind, that help IS available and I urge you to come forward.  We have specially trained officers who will listen to you, who will believe you and who will support you – frequently supplemented by help from our expert local agencies."

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Keith Stobbart Jailed for Breaching SHPO by Failing to Report New Tablet.

Keith Stobbart, 68, has been sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after buying a black Samsung tablet without notifying police.

Stobbart, who has seven convictions for 21 offences, is currently at HMP Holme House in Stockton. He was jailed for six years in 2008 for historic sexual offences and has previously breached SHPOs in 2015 and 2022. In 2022 he received a community order after sending a graphic sexual comment to a 14-year-old on TikTok. In 2024 he was jailed for 32 months for accessing indecent images of children and sexual communications with a child.

At Teesside Crown Court, prosecutor Imogen Eastham-Brown said an offender manager visited Stobbart on 6 June and asked him to produce all electronic devices. He handed over the tablet and claimed he had bought it on 1 June “to watch TV” while sleeping rough in his car. Examination of the device revealed search history from 23 and 29 May.

Stobbart told officers he had possessed the tablet for a couple of weeks but “hadn’t had time to do it” and found it “difficult to remember the prohibition.” He said he was “terribly sorry” and claimed he was recovering from cancer. No unlawful material was found on the tablet.

Judge Nathan Adams rejected the explanation, describing the breach as “deliberate” and stating he did not accept it as a reasonable excuse. Stobbart was already in custody on licence when sentenced.