COLIN LOWRIE OF SOUTH SHIELDS RETURNS TO COURT AFTER SHPO BREACH

COLIN LOWRIE OF SOUTH SHIELDS RETURNS TO COURT AFTER SHPO BREACH

Persistent sex offender Colin Lowrie from South Shields appeared once again at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday to face charges of breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

The court was told that Lowrie, 28, was originally issued with the SHPO on May 9, 2019, due to his prior criminal history.

On January 30, police conducted a home risk review at his residence to help monitor him as a high-risk sex offender.

During the review, officers asked if he had any devices for inspection.

Lowrie initially presented three devices that could not send messages or make calls.

After some discussion, he then produced a fourth device—a mobile phone—that he attempted to hide in his pocket from officers.

He claimed to have deleted social media apps such as Instagram and Snapchat from his phone after seeing police outside.

The court heard about Lowrie’s previous convictions, which include breaches of a SHPO and incitement offences.

His latest breach involved him communicating online with a 15-year-old girl via chatroom, despite being told her age on three occasions, and asking if she would date him.

Ms.

Haugstad, the prosecutor, described this as a "deliberate breach" of the order, emphasizing that there were multiple prior breaches.

Mitigating for Lowrie, Vic Laffey stated there was "no evidence" to suggest a significant risk in this specific incident.

Judge Sarah Mallet deferred sentencing for six months until September 15, commenting: "Although your offence qualifies for a custodial sentence, you are currently engaged in activities that could lead to long-term positive change, and I want to see if you can continue to avoid trouble." The judge also warned Lowrie that if he committed any further offences, she would have "no alternative" but to send him to prison.

Lowrie, of Belgrave Terrace, South Shields, is required to adhere to a community order and the terms of the SHPO.