Search results for Middlesbrough

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A man has been jailed for more than five years after attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child online and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Anthony Michael Hancock (pictured below), aged 36, of Shelley Road in Middlesbrough, is a Registered Sex Offender who was arrested in June 2026, when it was alleged that he had contacted a child online and attempted to cause/incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

It was also found that he had failed to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Hancock had been remanded in prison since his arrest in June.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday 1st September, where he was given a five-year and four-month sentence, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable David Philipson, from Cleveland Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), said:

“Hancock is a repeat offender whose first offence occurred more than a decade ago. I welcome the sentence imposed by the courts, which demonstrates the level of harm that Hancock poses, and I am pleased that he is now behind bars where he cannot be a further risk. 

“Cleveland POLIT are committed to robust and swift action against individuals like Hancock who offend against children online. We will continue to pursue individuals who carry out harm to children online and are determined to make Cleveland a safer place.”

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A repeat sex offender who is considered "a high risk" to young females is back behind bars after his latest breach of a court order.

Ben Richardson was released on July 9 after a previous term in prison for flouting a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

But Teesside Crown Court heard that within a week he was arrested again and locked up for further breaching the order.

The court was told he was released on licence conditions, while still subject to a lifelong SHPO and registration as a sex offender.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said when his police risk manager called on a monitoring visit, on July 14, Richardson presented a mobile phone and gave the pin number.

A check revealed in the few days preceding the visit he had downloaded several applications which were no longer on the device.

The apps, many for dating sites, were last used the previous day and even in one case earlier on the day of the officer’s visit, itself.

He had also downloaded a Virtual Private Network (VPN) application and a browser, which had also been deleted, with the data of its use history also removed.

Miss Atkinson said these were all in breach of his SHPO conditions.

Richardson was arrested and interviewed and admitting downloading the apps and the VPN.

He said he obtained them with the intention of viewing pornography, but he told police he realised he had been “stupid” and so deleted them.

Miss Atkinson said it was clearly a deliberate flouting of the order less than a week after his release from prison for previous breaches.

The 27-year-old defendant of The Crescent, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, admitted the latest breach of the order.

Judge Jonathan Carroll noted the defendant’s criminal record features 13 sexual offences, including the rape, “of a very young female”.

The judge said: “The very nature of his sexual interest is directly towards young girls”.

He told Richardson’s counsel, Michele Turner, that in the circumstances he was considering passing a sentence close to the five-year maximum for the offence.

Miss Turner said while, at 27, the defendant is still a young man, the original offence for which Richardson was convicted was, “some time ago, when he was a very different individual”, with a subsequent, “significant difference in his level of maturity.”

She said that the defendant is in danger of becoming institutionalised, given the time he has spent in custody, where he finds a “supportive environment”, as he gets on well with prison officers and other inmates.

Miss Turner added that the dating apps obtained by the defendant are all adult sites, with nothing to suggest any child contact.

But the judge said the use of a VPN was indicative that the defendant was trying to circumvent any scrutiny of his use of the internet.

He said the defendant’s offending history indicates an attraction to “very young females” from inciting them to commit sexual acts escalating up to rape.

Despite being made subject of both lifelong registration as a sex offender and restrictions under the SHPO, the judge said Richardson had continued to demonstrate, “sexual desires focused on young girls”.

He told the defendant:

“You are clearly a high-risk offender”, but added that the manner and history of his breaches of the order indicate he is also “devious”.

“I’m satisfied your conduct was risking very serious harm and distress as you have shown you are someone who is willing to commit serious criminality.”

The judge said he was taking a four-and-a-half year starting point for the sentence, but would deduct one-third to mark the defendant’s early guilty plea, making a three-year sentence.

He reminded the defendant that the SHPO and registration requirement will remain in place upon his release.

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Child Rapist Exposed by Love Bite After Hiding Past from New Partner

A North East child rapist who failed to declare his convictions to a new partner was caught when police spotted a love bite on his neck.

Mark Hubbard, 32, of The Crescent, Middlesbrough, remains subject to a sexual risk order (SRO) because he continues to pose a danger to the public, Teesside Crown Court heard. He was jailed for 12 years in 2014 for raping a child under 16 and convicted again in 2016 of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Prosecutor Albany Kidd said Hubbard, classified as a very high-risk sex offender, was required under the SRO to inform any new partner of his previous convictions and notify the authorities.  

“A police officer attended his home to carry out an unannounced review with him,” she told the court. “The officer noticed that the defendant had a love bite on his neck and he stated – ‘I have been seeing a lass for a couple of day and she doesn’t know about my past’.”

The woman, who believed he was called Mark Wilson, told police she was “disgusted” when she learned of his record.  

The court heard Hubbard had previously breached the SRO within days and received a 12-month jail term. He was released from that sentence on 18 June and was on licence when he committed the latest offence, resulting in his recall to custody.  

Hubbard pleaded guilty to the breach on 5 July. Tom Bennett, mitigating, said he had pleaded at the earliest opportunity and “acknowledges this is something that will result in another custodial sentence.”  

Judge Andrew Hatton sentenced him to two years’ custody. He said: “The police spoke to the woman and she indicated you had given a different surname and you had engaged in a sexual relationship with her with alerting her. She indicated that she felt disgusted at the thought of what you had done.”

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Paul Martin Jailed for Rape and Violent Disorder

A 45-year-old man from Middlesbrough has been jailed for more than 11 years after raping a drunk teenager and later admitting violent disorder while on bail.

Paul Martin, of Stafford Road, Middlesbrough, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 to nine years for rape plus 26 months for violent disorder, totalling 11 years and two months. He must register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a restraining order protecting the victim, also for life.

The rape occurred in Middlesbrough in 2022. The teenage victim had been drinking and was sitting on a bench in distress when Martin cycled past. CCTV showed him turning around and returning. Prosecuting barrister Rebecca Brown told the court the victim asked for “help”. Martin led her into a secluded street, grabbed her wrist, forced her onto her hands and knees and threatened to rape her unless she performed a sex act on him.

After the attack Martin left. Two young men found the distressed victim and flagged down police. Martin, who had remained nearby, was arrested. He initially claimed the victim had propositioned him, asking if he wanted “any business”. He maintained this account until DNA evidence linked him to the offence. He had very little money on him at the time. In a later interview he claimed the victim had agreed to the sex act. A jury at Teesside Crown Court last month rejected his account and convicted him of rape.

While on bail for the rape, Martin took part in a prolonged disturbance in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, Middlesbrough on 12 May 2024. A car and makeshift barricade were set alight and missiles, including fireworks, were thrown at police and emergency services. Martin admitted violent disorder on 1 June 2026.

In mitigation, defence barrister Chris Baker said Martin had no previous convictions for serious sexual offences or disorder, described the rape as opportunistic, and said Martin played a lesser role in the disorder by helping build the barricade but not throwing missiles.

The victim’s impact statement said the attack had left her already fragile mental health significantly worse. She has become isolated from family and friends and fears encountering Martin.

Judge Richard Bennett described the rape as “a wicked offence” that caused the victim “severe psychological harm”.

Martin was convicted of rape and admitted violent disorder. He has no prior convictions for serious sexual or disorder offences. The rape was described as opportunistic. He played a lesser role in the disorder.

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A sex offender has been sentenced to three and a half years, with an additional three on extended licence after he was convicted of making over 800 indecent photographs of children.

Daryl Stokes, 46, was already being managed by the Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team following his conviction in March 2019 of making indecent images and pseudo images of children. During an unannounced visit from the team in August 2025, officers suspected him of committing further offences and he was arrested and recalled to prison.

This led to a more details investigation, following which Stokes was later charged and then convicted of making 409 category A indecent photographs of a child, making 117 category B indecent photographs of a child, making 294 category C indecent photographs of a child and two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Stokes will now remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Jordan Pascoe, who investigated Stokes, said:

“The offences committed by Stokes were horrific and involved the degradation and humiliation of children. There are real children behind these images, who have suffered terrible abuse, that will have life lasting impacts upon them. They were the worst images I have had to view as a detective, and I am pleased this has been reflected in the sentencing handed to him.”

Temporary Detective Inspector Kayleigh Wilson, of MOSOVO said:

“This case highlights the proactive work conducted by the MOSOVO unit to identify offending.

“This case highlights the proactive work conducted by the MOSOVO unit to identify offending.

“DC Pascoe conducted a diligent and thorough investigation to ensure that Stokes was brought to justice for his offending. It was a difficult case due to the extent of abuse, but the dedication of the officers in the MOSOVO team made sure that a solid case was put forward for Stokes’ conviction to prevent him from further abuse.”

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Middlesbrough Child Sex Offender Jailed for Six Years

Adam Scott, 52, from Middlesbrough, has been jailed for six years after being caught by two online decoys posing as girls aged 12 and 14.

At Teesside Crown Court, Scott admitted six offences, including attempting to engage a child in sexual communication.

On 26 September 2025, police seized his phone after he sent repeated sexual messages to a 12-year-old profile set up by undercover operatives on the Chatib chatroom, prosecutor Nigel Soppitt told the court.

Over several days he offered to teach the girl sex acts and to “kiss it better” if he hurt her.

Released under investigation, Scott bought a new phone and in February contacted a second decoy posing as a 14-year-old on the same site.

Over more than a week he sent sexual messages and pictures, offering to buy her “takeaways and stuff” in exchange for sex. When he received an indecent photograph he replied: “I like it, I like it a lot.”

Police also found an extreme pornographic image featuring a woman and a dog on his phone.

Scott must comply with a sexual harm prevention order and sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

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A detective who led enquiries into a horrific incident where a vulnerable woman narrowly escaped being raped has paid tribute to the victim as her attacker was jailed on Friday 15 May.

The offence happened last October in Middlesbrough after Nallathamby Selvaratnam, aged 56, appeared to befriend the vulnerable woman in the town centre.

But when they were both at his flat afterwards he suddenly demanded sex and when she refused, he dragged her around tearing at her clothes and pursuing her while threatening her with a hammer.

The woman managed to run from the house barefoot and partially clothed to seek help. 

Officers immediately put safeguarding measures in place for the woman and Selvaratnam was arrested that evening.

And officer in the case Detective Constable Nancie Mitton from Middlesbrough CID offered the victim further support from our specialist local agencies while she continued her investigation; Selvaratnam was subsequently charged with attempted rape and remanded to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

He denied his actions and was further remanded until a trial at Teesside Crown Court where the jury found him guilty.

He received a sentence of 11 years with five years extended licence.

DC Mitton paid tribute to the woman’s bravery in reporting her horrific ordeal and for supporting the investigation right until its conclusion. She said:

“This was an absolutely horrifying thing to have gone through and this lady must have been completely terrified during and after the incident.

“She has shown incredible bravery, strength and dignity throughout and I can’t praise her highly enough.  I hope that today’s result will allow her some closure, and I wish her all the very best as she continues to rebuild her life.

“Selvaratnam is a violent and dangerous individual and I’m sure the victim shares my relief that he’ll now spend a significant amount of time in prison. 

“I am concerned, though, that there may be other people out there who have suffered at his hands, and I urge them urge them to come forward to police in complete confidence so we can seek justice for them as well.

“Finally, I’d remind anyone who is victim of rape or any form of sexual offences that there’s help available from our excellent local agencies and even if they don’t want to report to police, help is available from these organisations.”

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Tom Milton, of Clive Road in Eston, set up and switched on the camera that he had hidden in the changing room of the premises.

The 32-year-old, who worked as a school technician at the venue, then went back to the changing room with a view to remove the device only to find it had already been taken from its hiding place.

Prior to handing himself into police an investigation had begun by detectives from Cleveland Police that included up to 35 devices being recovered, seized and forensically examined.

This led to him being charged with voyeurism and creating pseudo image offences and he was remanded in custody until the day of his trial.

On Monday 3 November Milton appeared at Durham Crown Court and following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty of five counts of voyeurism. Milton had pleaded guilty to three counts of creating pseudo images at an earlier hearing.

Milton appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday 15 December to be sentenced to three years. He was also put on the Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

During the trial the court heard how on Saturday 5 July, the camera had been sighted inside an air conditioning unit and removed by a child who then handed it to an adult.

Later that night the woman attended to a police station to report and hand in the camera that had been located.

Three days later, on Tuesday 8 July, Milton disclosed to another woman, who had re-visited the venue, that he was the one who had put the camera in the changing room. He then also said the same comment to another member of staff which led him to attend Middlesbrough police station a short time later.

Upon his arrival, he was arrested and questioned by detectives while in custody. He disclosed he had placed the camera in the changing room and in the bedroom of a property without members of the public or the occupant knowing.

Meanwhile, officers had already begun seizing devices and conducting a search of Milton’s home.

What followed was detectives spending time reviewing hours of footage that uncovered Milton had been filming for a period of six years. As well as the footage, he had also made numerous pseudo images.

The case was put to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who authorised he be charged and remanded.

Detective Constable Jonathon Collins said:

“From the beginning, Milton has consistently made outrageous claims for why he chose to place cameras in the changing room and in the bedroom of a property to secretly film members of the public, refusing to acknowledge and accept any wrongdoing.

“He has violated the privacy of many people, including young children, spying on them for what I believe is for his own gratification.

“The investigation involved reviewing countless amounts of footage and then in doing so we came across images that Milton had created from the content he had filmed.

“I am pleased a jury could see through his lies and convict him of these offences where he has been rightly sentenced, securing justice for all the victims.”

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A man has been jailed for 33 years after carrying out horrific sexual and physical abuse.

68-year-old Stephen Poulton, of Ellis Gardens in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was convicted of 28 offences following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

The horrendous sexual and physical violence was some of the most harrowing that officers from the Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Team had heard during their careers.  

At Teesside Crown Court today, Friday 28th November, Stephen Poulton was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Detective Inspector Joanne Lamb, from the Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults (CAVA) Team, said:

“Today’s sentencing marks an important step towards justice in this case. We want to first recognise the extraordinary courage shown by the victims. Coming forward to speak about deeply painful experiences is never easy and their strength has been essential in bringing the truth to light.

“We hope this outcome provides some measure of comfort for the victims, and we thank them for their bravery, resilience and trust throughout this process. Their actions have not only helped secure accountability for these horrendous offences, but may also protect others from harm.

“Whilst all forms of abuse are difficult to comprehend, this is a particularly harrowing case, and despite the officers working on it being experienced, they were visibly impacted by the details and levels of abuse perpetrated by Poulton.

“We also want to remind anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing abuse that support is available. You are not alone. We encourage you to speak out. No one should ever suffer in silence, and today’s sentencing demonstrates that when victims come forward, their voices are heard.”

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A sexual predator, Michael Wanless, has been convicted of attempting to rape a young woman during her early morning jog on Granwood Road in Eston.

The 41-year-old dragged the victim to the ground on July 17, 2023. She screamed for help, prompting local residents to rush out, pursue him, and hold him until police arrested him.

Wanless, of no fixed abode, denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at Teesside Crown Court, where the jury deliberated for just 35 minutes, reports Teesside Live.

Judge Aisha Wadoodi recommended commendations for the brave members of the public who assisted.

Cleveland Police said their intervention "undoubtedly saved the woman from an even worse fate."

A force spokesperson added: "The man attacked the woman, pulling her violently to the ground but she bravely fought him off whilst screaming for help.

"Several local people came to her aid, chasing the man some distance until he was quickly detained by attending police officers."

Wanless will be sentenced at the same court on January 9.

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A former soap opera extra, Rizwan Khan—known as "Riz"—has been jailed for raping two women in separate incidents years apart.

He was also sentenced for sexually assaulting one of the rape victims and for causing unnecessary suffering to a child by slapping them.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Khan told one victim, "I need what I need. I want what I want. You, as a woman, should abide by what a man wants," before raping her despite her repeated refusals. He punched and slapped her, and both victims testified to his violence. The second victim awoke to him assaulting her.

Khan denied the charges but was convicted by a jury in August of two rapes, one sexual assault, and child cruelty; he was cleared of four other rape counts.

At sentencing on Tuesday, Khan stood emotionless as prosecutor Robin Turton read victim statements. One said she suffers anxiety and nightmares: "What he did goes round and round in my head. When I see his face in the newspaper, I feel sick."

Defense barrister Andrew Stranex said Khan maintains his innocence: "It would be quite bizarre if he said he did it, after standing trial." He added, "He is concerned about his parents and their healthcare. Any account saying there's social care available, doesn't take into account the level of his care for them."

Judge Paul Reid noted, "Your pre-sentence report says you demonstrate entitlement and hostility towards females."

Khan, of Union Street in Middlesbrough, was sentenced to 11 years and nine months in prison. He must sign the sex offenders' register for life, is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and restraining orders prohibit contact with the victims.

During trial, Khan said he worked in a Stokesley call center before pursuing acting at 34, going to the gym daily as jobs came in. He appeared in Hollyoaks and ITV's Vera.

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A paedophile who sexually assaulted two young children and made them watch sexual content has today been jailed for 18 years with five years on extended license.

Connor Wright, 32, assaulted the children between June and July 2024 and told them not to tell anyone about the abuse, because it was “their secret”.

He also showed them graphic sexual content, incited them to engage in sexual activity and took indecent images and videos of them.

After one of the children bravely disclosed what was happening, it was reported to police and the force’s specialist Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Team (CAVA) launched an investigation.

Wright was arrested on 25th July 2024 and his phone was seized for examination. A search was also carried out at his home address, where further devices and items were recovered.

The force’s Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) examined the devices and located more than a 100 indecent and prohibited images and videos of children, with four being graded as category A – the worst category.

Wright was arrested and charged with 25 offences including making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of children, voyeurism, rape and sexual assault.

He pleaded guilty to all offences at court and appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on 7th November where he was sentenced. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Brown said:

“Wright committed some of the most vile crimes imaginable and caused an immeasurable amount of trauma to his young and vulnerable victims.

“He targeted the children in pursuit of his own twisted sexual gratification without any consideration for the impact his actions would have on them and I’m pleased that he has today been given a significant prison sentence.

“This was an extremely distressing case but the joint work from CAVA, DFU, and our Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) was instrumental in helping us bring Wright before the courts and get justice for his victims and their families.

“I hope this result makes it clear we will do all we can to pursue those committing sexual offences against children and protect the vulnerable from harm.”

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A man has today been sentenced to 32 years in prison, following a string of violent and sexual offences dating back as far as the 1990s.

Edwin Youll was today sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, after he was found guilty of 26 charges following a trial in July this year.

63-year-old Edwin Youll, of Bexley Drive, Normanby, targeted vulnerable women and children and became violent towards them if they did not do as he commanded. He used his job as an unlicensed taxi driver to drive women around and target them, and on occasion used knives to facilitate his offending.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Stuart Hodgson said:

“Firstly I would like to thank the brave victims who came forward and gave harrowing accounts of the horrendous sexual abuse carried out by Edwin Youll.

“I commend the bravery of these women, and all witnesses involved in this investigation, for coming forward and speaking to us, and for their patience throughout the investigation and judicial process.

“Whilst the experiences will stay with them forever, I am pleased that this chapter has now come to a close and that justice has been served, and Youll will now spend a significant time behind bars.

“Violence against women and girls is not acceptable and we will always urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact Cleveland Police.”

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A sex offender was only out of prison for a few days before contacting the "vulnerable" victim of one of his previous crimes, a court heard.

Ethan Vickers was made subject of several prohibitions as part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed when he was jailed in October 2023.

Durham Crown Court was told they included not deleting the internet history on any device, and not using any alias on social media without the approval of his public protection officer.

But in late February this year, shortly after he was released from prison, police learned he had been in contact with a "vulnerable" 17-year-old woman in the area.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said it was the same victim of his offending in 2023, when she was aged 15.

Vickers was expressly told not to contact her when he was released from prison on February 20.

Miss Lamballe said some of the messages sent by Vickers to her in the few days after his release were sexually explicit and he also discussed meeting her.

When police visited his Teesside home address his phone was accessed and inspected and there was no evidence of the chat with the 17-year-old.

It emerged he had deleted the messages, in contravention of the SHPO.

Further analysis revealed he accessed X, formerly Twitter, on February 25, using the name 'Soft Boy 123', an alias he had not made police aware of, also in breach of the SHPO.

Miss Lamballe said other messages uncovered by police were made by other people in conversation with Vickers and related to the abuse of children.

She said the repeated nature of them were indicative of the defendant having been in conversation with these people, suggesting he had deleted his own comments.

When interviewed he made no comment at first but he claimed the messages from the female were old ones from previous chats.

Appearing by video link from HMP Holme House, where he has been on remand, Vickers, who turns 21 on Friday (July 11), and said to be of no fixed abode, admitted two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Miss Lamballe said he has four previous convictions for 15 "all directly relevant" offences.

These included inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, possessing indecent photos of a child, and seeking to meet a girl for sex.

Offences of sexual communication with a child, in breach of a SHPO, led to him receiving a 28-month prison sentence and the further indefinite order, in October 2023.

But in August last year he received a further eight-month sentence for more indecent images offences.

Miss Lamballe added that it was a "significantly aggravating" feature of the case that he was just released on licence at the time of the latest offences and the female involved was the same victim in the earlier offending.

Nicci Horton, in mitigation, said she could not suggest that the defendant should receive anything other than an immediate prison sentence.

"The Probation Service does not feel they can manage his risk in the community.

"It's clear from his pre-sentence (probation) report that he doesn't have the full grasp of why this offending is so serious, but he says the complainant in one count voluntarily engaged with him."

Miss Horton added that the defendant has a diagnosis on the autistic spectrum and is prone to compulsive behaviour.

Judge Jo Kidd told Vickers: "The commission of these offences was within a few days of you being released from prison in circumstances where they were committed on licence and you knew what you were doing was in breach of your SHPO.

"It would appear to have had no deterrent effect on your behaviour, a pattern reflected in your appearances before court in 2023.

"It's clear you have an ongoing interest in viewing images of children and you have a complete disregard for court orders and don't consider they should in any way bound you."

Imposing a further 28-month prison sentence, the judge said it would be an adult prison term, as of Friday this week (July 11).

Judge Kidd said as the victim of his messaging will shortly turn 18 and did not request a restraining order, she would not put such an order in place.

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A pervert who had sexual communications with a child has been locked up.

Curtis Smith, who was sentenced for the original offences in 2021, was back before Teesside Crown Court after admitting five counts of breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard Smith, 25, of no fixed abode, had not only failed to notify police he was using certain social media platforms he was also using aliases on platforms including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram without notifying officers what those aliases were.

Judge Advocate Thomas Mitchell said the defendant was placed on seven year order for having sexual communication with a child and officers uncovered the breaches when they visited his home. He said: "If you use an alias, you tell police what that alias is. This was a deliberate breach by you."

Judge Mitchell said it wasn't just one breach, it was several using different platforms. However, he added: "There is no evidence of you having communicated with children."

But, he said he was talking to females on the sites. The judge said that he felt Smith does potentially pose a risk to the public and ordered him to serve 15 months in prison.

He said the sentence would serve as a starting point for any courts in the future if he reoffends.