DARREN THOMPSON FROM EAST WITTERING CAUGHT VIOLATING COURT ORDER DURING ONLINE TUTORING SESSIONS

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about the monitoring and rehabilitation of convicted sex offenders, Darren Thompson, a resident of East Wittering, was found to have breached a court-imposed Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The incident occurred in April 2021, when Thompson was caught engaging in online tutoring sessions with GCSE students, despite strict restrictions placed upon him by the court.

Thompson, aged 50, had previously been convicted of possessing indecent images of children, which led to the court issuing a Sexual Harm Prevention Order designed to prevent him from having any contact with minors. The order explicitly prohibited him from using computer equipment or phones unless monitored by appropriate software. Despite these restrictions, Thompson was discovered to be conducting tutorials with young students, a clear violation of the court's directives.

The breach was uncovered during a police raid on his residence in East Wittering. During the search, officers found that Thompson had attempted to conceal electronic devices. Notably, they discovered a mobile phone hidden inside a toilet at his home, and another device taped underneath a chair in his bedroom. These actions suggested an attempt to evade monitoring and continue contact with minors illicitly.

At Lewes Crown Court, Thompson admitted to breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Prosecutor Beverley Cherrill outlined that the violations took place in December of the previous year. She emphasized that Thompson had violated the conditions of his suspended sentence, which was originally imposed following his 2018 conviction for possession of indecent images. The court was presented with screengrabs showing Thompson conducting tutorials to young students, which he was explicitly prohibited from doing under the terms of his court orders.

Importantly, the court clarified that there was no evidence to suggest any inappropriate conduct occurred during the Zoom sessions, as parents of the children involved were present during the online lessons. This detail was noted during proceedings to distinguish between breach of order and allegations of misconduct during the tutorials.

Defence lawyer Jason Halsey argued that Thompson was attempting to reintegrate into a normal life and that his actions were driven by a desire to have access to a smartphone, which he claimed was necessary for everyday communication. Halsey emphasized that there was no justification for breaching the court’s restrictions, but highlighted Thompson’s efforts to comply with legal requirements.

Judge Mark Van Der Zwart acknowledged Thompson’s previous efforts to fulfill the conditions of his suspended sentence but noted the seriousness of the breach. Recognizing that Thompson had completed all the requirements of his earlier sentence, the judge decided against imposing a prison term. Instead, Thompson was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation sessions. These measures were part of a new suspended prison sentence, aimed at monitoring his progress and ensuring compliance with court orders moving forward.

Thompson, who resides on Shawside Walk in East Wittering, was also ordered to adhere strictly to the conditions of his supervision and rehabilitation plan, with authorities closely monitoring his activities to prevent further breaches.