Description
A child sex offender has been jailed for 48 months after being found guilty of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
This followed an unannounced visit by officers from Cleveland Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT).
James Milton, 32, of Teesside, was arrested after he was discovered to have deleted key apps, including Snapchat, Dropbox, and Discord, from his devices – all of which were prohibited under the terms of his SHPO, imposed following a series of convictions for indecent images of children.
The breach came to light during a routine visit by officers on May 17, 2024, when they checked to see if Milton was adhering to the strict conditions of his order.
The officers found Milton had failed to register several aliases and usernames used online, another violation of his notification requirements.
A further search of his property uncovered two additional SD cards, which were seized for examination.
Though no indecent images were recovered, the police uncovered a deliberate effort to hide digital activity.
Milton had erased the apps that enabled him to access social media and cloud storage, in what officers believe was an attempt to conceal his online interactions.
Detective Constable Barnes, of POLIT, commented on the seriousness of the breach, he said: “Breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order is an extremely serious offence. Our officers work tirelessly to closely monitor those subject to restrictions so that any breaches like this are detected and dealt with swiftly.
"I hope this serves as a warning to offenders that we will take action.”
Milton was charged with breaching his SHPO and failing to comply with Notification Requirements.
Appearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on April 4, he pleaded guilty to all charges.
He was sentenced to 48 months in prison on May 6.