DANIEL LEOW OF LLANDRINDOD WELLS FINED FOR FAILURE TO NOTIFY POLICE ABOUT BANK CHANGES

In April 2022, a serious case involving Daniel Leow, a known sex offender residing in Llandrindod Wells, came to light when he was brought before the magistrates for failing to comply with legal obligations to inform authorities of changes in his personal circumstances. Leow, aged 40, had previously served time in prison for sexual offences and was required to remain on the sex offender register until 2029, following his conviction in April 2019.

As part of his release conditions, Leow was mandated to notify police of any alterations to his address, bank details, or other relevant personal information. This requirement is strictly enforced, with a three-day window for reporting such changes. However, during a court hearing held at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 27, Leow admitted to two separate breaches of these notification obligations, which occurred between March 27 and July 14, 2021.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies explained that Leow, who previously went by the name Mr Atter, was under a legal obligation to sign the sex offender’s register until 2029. He emphasized that the notification process includes informing police about bank accounts, including details such as account validation and expiry dates. The police investigation revealed that Leow, who resides at Maple Terrace in Llandrindod Wells, had both personal and business accounts with Santander Bank. When officers visited his home, they discovered a letter from Santander confirming a new address and a change of name, which Leow had not reported.

Further inquiries led police to a visit at a police station in Gloucester in July 2021, where Leow disclosed a new address and new Santander accounts. However, the bank accounts he referenced had actually expired in 2019. Despite having new bank cards issued in his name, Leow had failed to register these changes within the required three-day period, a fact he readily accepted and apologized for during the hearing.

Leow’s legal representative, Michael Davies, provided context for his client’s situation, stating that Leow is a self-employed consultant and has a partner. He acknowledged that there was little dispute over the facts of the case. Mr. Davies explained that after his release from prison, Leow had taken steps to notify authorities about his release and had even applied to change his name in April 2020. He also informed police of his address change in December 2020, during a period when in-person visits to police stations were limited due to the pandemic, and communications had to be conducted over the phone.

He further clarified that Leow believed he was not required to notify police about his bank card changes until he used the new cards, which he did not do. The defendant had not attempted to conceal the new cards, but simply did not register them in time. In June 2021, a letter from Santander inquired whether he had registered his new details, prompting Leow to visit the police station on the fourth day after the deadline. The defense highlighted that Leow had been compliant for a significant period and had maintained detailed records of his communications with police and probation services, totaling 34 pages.

In sentencing, the magistrates imposed a fine of £120 for each of the two offences, along with additional costs of £85 and a surcharge of £34. The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to notification requirements for sex offenders, especially those with ongoing obligations under the law. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such breaches are treated, given the potential risks involved and the need for continuous monitoring of offenders in the community.