Locations
Knights Green, Flint, Flintshire, CH6
Description
A high-risk sex offender has been locked up for his behaviour to a woman in the street.
Anthony Hooper, of Knights Green in Flint, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court for sentence on Wednesday afternoon.
The 69-year-old had been convicted after trial of sexual assault, as well as breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), both of which happened in 2024 in Flint.
Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court: "The defendant is known to be a high-risk registered sex offender with a number of previous convictions and the subject of a sexual harm prevention order."
The SHPO prohibited him from speaking to any female of any age in a manner that a reasonable person would believe to be sexual - unless that person expressly consented to being spoken to in that way.
On the day in question, Hooper touched his victim in the street, making her feel extremely uncomfortable, as well as making unusual comments.
At that stage, she was unaware Hooper was a registered sex offender.
Mr Espie said his behaviour during the offences was "concerning" and "sexualised."
In her victim personal statement, the woman said Hooper's behaviour had made her angry, adding: "Nothing about this is my fault.
"I'm very concerned about bumping into him."
She added the incident had caused her a great deal of anxiety.
Gary Harvey, defending, told the court: "The pre-sentence report doesn't do him any favours.
"I don't try to suggest there's a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
"He had the trial and was convicted - I can't go behind that."
Mr Harvey conceded Hooper's actions had amounted to a deliberate breach of his SHPO.
District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "Mr Hooper, the sexual assault had a significant impact on the victim.
"And your sexual behaviour made the victim feel extremely uneasy.
"You do not wish to take any responsibility for your actions and don't want to address any matters.
"On that basis, and in view of your record of offending, I'm satisfied that the risk you pose to females is such that there's only one sentence - one of immediate custody."
Hooper was jailed for 52 weeks in total and must pay a £187 victim surcharge.
A six-year restraining order was imposed for the victim's protection.