SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR FAILING TO TELL POLICE ABOUT NEW DEVICE
A SEX offender is back behind bars over a device that he failed to tell the police about.Darren Bennett was previously spared jail last April despite telling someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl that she was ‘sexy’ during online sex chats.
The 47-year-old was in fact communicating with an adult, purporting to be a young teenager online in a bid to root out perverts with a sexual interest in children.
The defendant was handed a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), but he was locked up in July for breaching this after he was found hiding in the bathroom of a property where a child lived.
Having not learnt his lesson, Bennett has now had two further breaches of his SHPO, with an upcoming trial at Crewe Magistrates’ Court.
He initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted guilt, leading to sentencing.
Prosecutor Michelle Dodd explained both breaches occurred in Warrington on February 27.
Bennett was caught with a device capable of storing digital images and failed to provide access for police to inspect it.
He also failed to notify Cheshire Police within three days about acquiring a device capable of internet access, including its make, model, and serial number.
Last April, Bennett was given a 21-month suspended sentence for attempted sexual communications with a child and attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was jailed for 18 months in July for breaching his SHPO after being found inside a property where a child lives.
Despite police reminders, he visited the address again and was found hiding in the bathroom.
Magistrates concluded that his case crossed the custody threshold due to a blatant disregard for court orders.
As a result, Bennett, of Town Hill in Warrington town centre, was sentenced to six months in prison to be served immediately.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154, and his SHPO will remain in effect.
