ANDREW TONKIN FROM ST BURYAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS ON SEX OFFENDERS' REGISTER AFTER FACEBOOK INCIDENT

In a recent court ruling in Truro, Andrew Tonkin, a 25-year-old resident of St Buryan in west Penwith, has been mandated to register as a sex offender for the next ten years following a series of troubling offences. The court's decision was influenced by a specific incident involving inappropriate online communication with a young girl.

Tonkin, who reportedly has learning difficulties, was ordered to adhere strictly to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits him from approaching or contacting children. The order was issued by magistrates in Truro on a Friday, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of the community.

He did not oppose the terms of the order, which was prompted by his recent actions on Facebook, where he sent lewd messages to an 11-year-old girl. The court was informed that Tonkin admitted to engaging in sexual communication via the social networking platform, an act that raised significant concern given his history.

This was not his first offence; court records revealed that this was his third incident over the past five years, with previous offences occurring in 2005 and 2009. Prosecutor David Campbell argued that the order was necessary to protect the public from serious sexual harm, highlighting the pattern of offending behavior.

Under the terms of the order, Tonkin is prohibited from contacting any individual under the age of 16 unless under proper supervision, such as through his employment. Additionally, he is required to keep law enforcement informed of his whereabouts at all times, including any changes of residence or travel plans abroad, for the next decade. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in fines or imprisonment.

Judge Kathy Furze, presiding over the case, stated during sentencing, "You have committed sexual offences and it is necessary to protect the public from serious harm from you. Because of the pattern of offending, the order should last for ten years to protect vulnerable members of the public."

Defense lawyer Robert Eccleston explained that Tonkin, who is supported by a full-time live-in carer, is receiving assistance from Social Services to better understand the world around him. The court's decision underscores the importance of community safety and the ongoing efforts to monitor and rehabilitate offenders like Tonkin.