JASON GATTING REJECTED BY PAROLE BOARD AGAIN IN HOLSWORTHY AFTER SEX OFFENDER BREACH

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about the management of high-risk sex offenders, Jason Gatting, a 43-year-old man from Holsworthy, has been returned to prison following a breach of court-imposed restrictions. Gatting’s criminal history is deeply troubling, as he was originally sentenced in 2007 for grooming and sexually assaulting two young girls aged nine and seven. His actions involved manipulative tactics such as playing games, offering chocolates and money, before ultimately abusing the victims.

Despite serving a lengthy sentence, Gatting was considered a significant risk to children, leading the parole board to withhold his release until 2016. His release was conditional, and he was subject to a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order (SOPO) that aimed to restrict his interactions with minors. However, just a year after being granted freedom, Gatting violated the terms of this order, prompting his re-arrest and subsequent re-imprisonment.

The breach involved Gatting meeting children without informing their parents of his past offenses. Although he did not attempt to molest any children during this period, his failure to disclose his history was deemed a serious violation of the court’s protective measures. At Exeter Crown Court, Judge David Evans sentenced Gatting to an additional six months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his breach. The judge made it clear that Gatting would need to demonstrate his suitability for release to the parole board before being considered for freedom again.

Gatting admitted to breaching the order, which had been in place since January 2007 and was of indefinite duration. The order explicitly prohibited him from associating privately with children under 16 unless their guardians were aware of his past offenses. Judge Evans highlighted that Gatting’s previous crimes involved grooming and sexual assault, with the offender exploiting the children’s trust by pretending to play games and offering treats before abusing them.

The judge also noted that Gatting had been detained for longer than the minimum 16-month sentence due to concerns from the parole board about his potential risk to children. Probation reports echoed these fears, indicating that Gatting still posed a threat. It was revealed that Gatting, who previously resided in Northam near Bideford, was fully aware of the restrictions placed upon him at the time of his release. Despite this knowledge, he chose not to disclose his past to the children’s parents, citing fears of violence against himself.

Judge Evans expressed strong disapproval, stating, “You put yourself in a domestic situation where you knew you shouldn’t have been. You were in arms reach of temptation when you should be nowhere near children, especially unsupervised. You had been drinking again and you probably knew in your own mind this was a risk factor against which you have to guard.” The judge concluded that the seriousness of Gatting’s breach warranted immediate imprisonment, emphasizing that his release was unlikely in the near future, as the decision would ultimately rest with the parole board. Gatting’s current incarceration is a direct consequence of his failure to adhere to court orders designed to protect vulnerable children from his predatory past.