ANDREW WYER FROM SOUTHSEA RELEASED AFTER BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER IN PORTSMOUTH

In March 2001, Andrew Wyer, a 33-year-old man from Southsea, Hampshire, was the subject of a significant legal development concerning his status as a convicted sex offender. Wyer had previously been detained at Broadmoor psychiatric hospital since January 2000 due to concerns related to his mental health and criminal behavior. Despite his incarceration, Wyer appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on a Friday to face charges of violating a court order that explicitly prohibited him from making contact with young people.

The court proceedings culminated in a sentencing that reflected the seriousness of his breach. Judge David Selwood handed down a sentence of two years' probation, which would require Wyer to be under constant supervision and police monitoring at a secure facility. This measure was intended to closely observe his behavior and prevent any potential re-offending.

During the hearing, Judge Selwood acknowledged that a breach had occurred, but emphasized that it was only discovered because Wyer himself reported his contact with children to the authorities. The judge clarified that the contact involved meetings with children at a man’s home, and these meetings were not isolated incidents but multiple occurrences. Importantly, Wyer was never left alone with the children, and the most concerning behavior noted was that he once asked a child if she was ticklish.

Judge Selwood expressed that, although the breach was not deemed to be a grave violation of the sex offenders’ order, it remained a serious and troubling incident. He highlighted that Wyer’s actions, coupled with his mental health assessment, painted a concerning picture. Experts had evaluated Wyer as suffering from a mental disorder and a personality defect, which contributed to his classification as a significant risk to the public. The judge also pointed out Wyer’s criminal record, describing it as extensive and troubling.

Overall, the court’s decision reflected a cautious approach, balancing the need for public safety with the recognition of Wyer’s mental health issues. His release under strict supervision underscores the ongoing concern about his potential to re-offend, despite the measures put in place to monitor and control his behavior.