ANDREW NEWBURY'S SHOCKING REPEATED OFFENSES IN DARTFORD: SEX OFFENDER BREACHES COURT ORDERS IN KENT

In a disturbing case that has raised serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of existing legal restrictions, Andrew Newbury, a known sex offender, was found to have violated the terms of his lifelong sexual offences prevention order by allowing minors to visit his residence in Dartford.

Newbury, who was previously sentenced to four years in prison with an additional three-year extended license, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on February 7 of the previous year to face charges related to sex offences. His original sentence was handed down after he was convicted of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, and the court had imposed a lifelong sexual offences prevention order to prevent him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16.

Despite serving his sentence and being released in April of that year, Newbury’s compliance with the court’s restrictions was short-lived. Within just three months of his release and subsequent relocation to Dartford, reports emerged that minors were frequently visiting his flat in Lowfield Street. These visits included young individuals who appeared to be under the age of 16, with one as young as 14, engaging in activities that suggested they were doing chores or cleaning for him.

Authorities responded swiftly to these reports. A police officer visited Newbury’s residence in the early hours of July 5 after receiving credible information about the presence of underage children at his flat. During the investigation, it was revealed that multiple young people had been attending the property on numerous occasions. The police inquiry indicated that these visits were not incidental but part of a pattern, with some youths reportedly doing cleaning work for Newbury.

Further troubling details emerged when Newbury was arrested. During the arrest, he asked a young boy present at the scene if he would look after his flat and dog, indicating a possible attempt to establish a form of guardianship or trust with minors. On a subsequent visit by officers, they found a young boy accompanied by his 15-year-old girlfriend at the property.

In light of these breaches, Newbury was recalled to prison. The court considered the severity of his violations and the potential danger he posed to the community. Judge Jeremy Carey sentenced him to eight months in jail for breaching the court orders. The judge emphasized that Liverpool Crown Court had previously recognized Newbury as a dangerous sex offender, highlighting his troubled history and ongoing risks.

Judge Carey expressed concern over Newbury’s mental state and his refusal to accept treatment. He pointed out that Newbury had not undergone any sex offender treatment since his original sentencing in 2011 because he was unwilling to admit his offending behavior. The judge also criticized his refusal to engage with community-based support schemes offered by probation services, which could have mitigated his risk.

Addressing Newbury’s background, the judge noted that he had suffered childhood abuse and lacked family support, factors that contributed to his ongoing issues. Despite the breach and the serious nature of his violations, the court clarified that Newbury’s sentence would not extend his time in custody beyond the period already served, as he was being recalled on license. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing convicted sex offenders and the importance of strict enforcement of court orders to protect vulnerable minors in Dartford and beyond.