CHATHAM SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR BREACHING COURT ORDER CONDITIONS

A sex offender is back behind bars after breaching a court order.Denis Swift, from Chatham, was convicted for child sex offences in 2012 and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).Denis Swift from Chatham jailed for breaching court order conditions.The order stopped him from owning or using an internet-enabled device without police approval.On June 24, this year, police visited Swift’s home to check he was following the rules.But they found he had bought a mobile phone, which was in breach of the order.He was arrested later that day was charged with breaching the SHPO and not following the sex offender notification rules.The 71-year-old, formerly of Seymour Road, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court on June 25 and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.Authorities said court orders protect vulnerable people and prevent further crimes.Police regularly check offenders to make sure they follow the rules, and those who don’t face consequences.PC Areolito Gashi said: “Court orders for convicted sex offenders such as Swift are put in place to safeguard against future crimes being committed - protecting vulnerable people and preventing them from becoming victims.“Swift was clearly in breach of his court order and it’s right that he’s back behind bars.“We carry out regular checks on offenders to ensure that they are complying with the conditions on which they have been released from prison.“Those who fail to adhere to them can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”