ASHLEY CONNOCK FROM READING AND THATCHAM SENT BACK TO PRISON FOR SERIOUS SEX OFFENCES AND BREACHES

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to protect children from sexual offenders, Ashley Connock, a man with a long history of child sex offences and violations of court orders, has been returned to prison after a court found him to pose a 'substantial' risk to minors. The case was heard at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 26, where the 29-year-old was sentenced for multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which had been put in place specifically to safeguard children from his predatory behavior.

Connock's criminal history dates back to 2008 when he was first convicted of sex offences. By 2009, he had already violated the terms of his SHPO, and his pattern of defiance continued over the years. In 2013, he again breached the order, and in 2016, he was jailed for breaching a restraining order. Despite these previous convictions and court orders, Connock's conduct did not improve. Instead, he committed further serious child sex offences and repeatedly flouted the conditions of his SHPO.

During the recent hearing, Judge Heather Nott expressed her disapproval of Connock's repeated violations, stating, “And here we are again.” The prosecution, led by Gabrielle McAvock, detailed how Connock, who was residing on Pound Lane in Thatcham at the time, had been caught lying to his offender manager and failing to comply with the terms of his SHPO. It was revealed that Connock had been secretly using the internet, deliberately avoiding checks on his browsing history, and had not installed any risk management software, which was a breach of the court's protective measures.

Furthermore, Ms McAvock explained that Connock had multiple bank cards without informing his offender manager, adding to the list of deceptions he employed to evade scrutiny. The prosecution described his actions as a “catalogue of lies,” emphasizing his persistent efforts to circumvent the court's restrictions designed to prevent him from harming children.

Judge Heather Nott underscored the gravity of Connock’s offences, remarking, “These are serious offences; you know how serious they are.” She highlighted his long-standing pattern of offending and breaching court orders, noting that his record clearly demonstrates the substantial risk he continues to pose. The judge pointed out that since his initial child sex offences, Connock has been involved in further serious incidents involving minors, along with repeated breaches of the SHPO.

In her sentencing, Judge Nott ordered Connock to serve 20 months in prison. She specified that half of this sentence would be served behind bars, with the remaining time on license within the community. At the time of sentencing, Connock was living on Oxford Road in Reading, and the court’s decision reflects the ongoing concern about his potential threat to children and the importance of strict supervision.

Earlier, in August 2017, Connock faced separate allegations related to underage sexual activity. At that time, he was accused of inciting a young girl to engage in sexual acts and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The 23-year-old, residing in Pound Lane, appeared before Reading magistrates on July 27, where he faced charges of inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity in January of that year. He was also charged with three counts of breaching the terms of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order by communicating with an underage girl, possessing an Apple Mac Notebook, and having a mobile phone with internet access. These offences were alleged to have occurred between August 22 of the previous year and January 24 of this year, in Lambourn and other locations.

Connock was released on conditional bail pending a full hearing at Reading Crown Court, where the case will be thoroughly examined. The series of offences and breaches underscore the ongoing concerns about his conduct and the measures necessary to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.