ADAM CHALLINOR SENTENCED IN MOLD FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENCES PREVENTION ORDER IN SEALAND

In September 2015, Adam Challinor, aged 24 and previously identified as a risk to young girls, was sentenced to prison at Mold Crown Court for breaching a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO). The order had been set to restrict him from being in the company of young females, and its violation led to his nine-month imprisonment. Challinor was found in the company of two 14-year-old girls and fled when police approached. His lawyer revealed Challinor suffered from mental health issues and a personality disorder. Judge John Philpotts stressed that Challinor was aware he was doing wrong when he ran from police, which indicated a conscious breach of court conditions. The judge stated, 'Only a custodial sentence was now appropriate,' considering the situation's seriousness. The case was previously flagged as particularly troubling because Challinor was seen as having no boundaries regarding appropriate sexual conduct and was considered a risk to young girls. The original SOPO had been imposed due to earlier sexual offences.

In July 2014, Challinor, then 23 and also of Sealand, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and was deemed a high risk to young females. During that case at Mold Crown Court, Judge Niclas Parry described Challinor as 'worrying' and emphasized that his behavior demonstrated a lack of boundaries. The judge highlighted that Challinor’s most serious offences involved a girl aged 13 when he was 19 or 20, and he engaged in unprotected sex with her, with the girl indicating she often felt pressured. The significant age difference and Challinor’s awareness that his actions were wrong were noted as aggravating factors. Additionally, Challinor had indecently assaulted a teenage boy and exposed himself to him while fishing. In August of the previous year, he also bullied a 13-year-old boy, exposing himself and touching his bottom five times.

Challinor, who has learning difficulties and a mental age estimated between nine and 12, pleaded guilty to four charges, including sexual activity with the girl, sexual assault on the boy, and indecent exposure. Judge Parry commented, 'You have very little understanding of the gravity of what you have done.' He warned that unless Challinor improved his understanding, the public would remain at risk, and that only intensive intervention could reduce this risk.

Given his vulnerabilities and existing time served, Challinor received a 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years. He is subject to supervision for two years, during which he will receive mental health treatment. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel noted that Challinor accepted the sexual activity with the girl and suggested it was 'up to her really.' Defense attorney John Hedgecoe highlighted Challinor’s mental health needs, stating, 'What he needs, as soon as possible, is further assessment from the mental health team. It is hoped he can be assisted.'