DEAN COOTES BREACHES SEX OFFENDER CONDITIONS IN TROWBRIDGE, ESCAPES JAIL
In August 2019, Dean Cootes, a registered sex offender residing on Kenwood Close in Trowbridge, found himself at the center of a legal case after violating the strict conditions imposed upon him following his previous convictions.Despite being warned about the importance of adhering to registration requirements, Cootes took a significant risk by moving into a residence with a mother and her child, an act that ultimately led to further scrutiny by law enforcement authorities.
The breach was brought to light when officers responded to reports and subsequently discovered Cootes in bed at the woman’s house.
During their investigation, the woman revealed to the police that she was unaware of Cootes’s past as a sex offender, a revelation that added a layer of concern regarding the transparency and safety of the living arrangements.
Swindon Crown Court heard that Cootes, aged 36, had previously been convicted of eight counts of voyeurism in July 2015.
His conviction stemmed from an incident where he was caught secretly filming in a bathroom using a camera phone.
Following this conviction, he was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment but was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years.
During this time, law enforcement agencies closely monitored his activities to ensure compliance with the registration conditions.
In July 2016, Cootes received a written warning after police found him staying in a property where a child was present for more than seven days without informing the authorities.
The woman involved in the recent incident told officers that Cootes had been staying at her house most nights since the previous August, and she was completely unaware of his status as a sex offender.
When questioned, Cootes claimed that he had been unwell at the time and that his mental state had been compromised, which he argued contributed to his breach of the registration conditions.
He admitted to breaching the sex offender registration requirements, acknowledging that he had failed to notify authorities about his living arrangements.
His defense lawyer, Michael Hall, explained that shortly after his voyeurism sentence, Cootes was also jailed for perverting the course of justice.
This subsequent incarceration prevented him from participating in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders’ programme, which was part of his original sentence.
Hall further highlighted that Cootes was currently living with his parents and was experiencing a range of health issues, both physical and mental.
Despite the breaches, the court was faced with the decision of whether to impose a custodial sentence.
Judge Peter Crabtree noted that although Cootes had received a warning previously, this was his first conviction for breaching the registration order.
The judge emphasized the importance of the notification requirements, stating, “Notification requirements are there for good reason: to protect the public.
They should not be easily disregarded.” Ultimately, Cootes was sentenced to a six-month jail term, but this was suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities to address his issues and prevent future breaches.
The court’s decision reflected a balance between accountability and the recognition of his personal circumstances, but it underscored the seriousness with which such breaches are regarded in the interest of public safety.
