GEORGE POWER, MALDON SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN PRISON

In June 2009, a Maldon man with a history of sexual offences was sentenced to two years in prison for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). George Power, aged 79, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, June 17, where Judge Christopher Ball QC handed down the sentence after Power violated the conditions of his SOPO, which had been imposed in 2002.

Power admitted to five offences under the SOPO, including three counts of indecently assaulting a boy during meetings. The court heard that Power had been using tactics such as giving children sweets, toys, and ice cream to lure them. Prosecutor Barry Gilbert explained that the incidents took place at Promenade Park in Maldon, involving children aged between 10 and 16, who were given toy soldiers, ice cream, and money. Power also offered one boy rides on his mobility scooter.

He was arrested on February 5 of the same year after the boy’s family identified his criminal background. Richard Connolly, defending Power, stated that the offender had "relevant previous convictions dating back to 1968" and had been placed under the order after concerns arose previously. He noted that the current offences were relatively minor compared to Power’s earlier crimes, which included gross indecency, indecent assaults, and attempted rape.

Judge Christopher Ball QC expressed concern, commenting, “He’s obsessed – I’m concerned this is an episode of grooming leading to sexual offences.” Mr. Connolly added that it had taken a decade since Power’s referral to a clinic for anything to happen and highlighted that Power’s hostel-like accommodation provides a curfew to help manage his behavior.

It was revealed that Power, formerly residing on Orchard Close in Maldon, had already breached the SOPO order on June 30 of the previous year by passing a toy truck to a young boy in Promenade Park. The family of the child only became aware of his past after reading publicity following Power’s court appearance on August 12, when he again breached the order by approaching another boy to buy him ice cream.

Power pleaded guilty to breaching the SOPO during earlier proceedings after his photograph was recognized on the Essex Chronicle website, thisistotalessex.co.uk.