JOHN WARREN BACK IN BRAINTREE NEIGHBOURHOOD WHERE HE ABUSED TEENAGER FROM WITHAM

In a deeply troubling development, a convicted sex offender named John Warren has returned to live in close proximity to his young victim in Braintree, Essex, sparking outrage and distress among her family and community members. The teenager, who is now 15 years old, has been left devastated by Warren's move, which places him just over 40 feet from her family’s home, where she resides with her parents.

Warren, aged 59 and employed as a building worker, previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with the girl, who was 14 at the time of the incident. The court proceedings took place at Chelmsford Crown Court, where Warren was sentenced last month. His punishment included a three-year supervision order, mandatory attendance at a sex offenders’ course, and registration on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years. Despite these measures, the court did not impose any restrictions on his place of residence following his sentencing.

The victim’s family expressed their outrage and concern over Warren’s return to the same neighborhood. Her mother stated, “We were meant to be told when he was being sentenced, but we didn’t know anything about it. If I had been there, I would have stood up and told them he lives opposite us. It’s too close.” The girl, who is currently studying for her GCSEs and aspires to become a veterinarian, shared her feelings of fear and anxiety, revealing that she refuses to be home alone and is overwhelmed by the proximity of her attacker’s house.

Warren’s residence is a three-bedroom semi-detached property in Braintree, valued at approximately £160,000. He lived there for two decades with his wife until their separation three years ago. The house is situated near a children’s play area, which heightens the community’s concern about the safety of local children. The victim’s family has known Warren for many years, and the incident occurred at his home. During the attack, the girl managed to defend herself by stamping on Warren’s toe and escaping. She later confided in her parents about the assault, and they promptly contacted the police.

While Warren was on bail, he was living in Witham, Chelmsford, and another part of Braintree, with strict conditions preventing him from approaching the victim. However, just three days ago, he moved back into his Braintree home, which has caused further distress. Her mother expressed frustration, saying, “We were not informed about his move back. If I had known, I would have spoken up. Seeing him outside her window this morning has been heartbreaking. She’s been crying ever since.”

The family is now contemplating civil action to compel Warren to relocate, citing the emotional toll and safety concerns. Warren, who claims to teach dance classes, has been barred from instructing anyone under 18 without supervision. From his home, he expressed confusion over the community’s reaction, stating, “That’s my home and I have lived here all my life. I don’t think I have been insensitive. It’s been blown out of all proportion. It was just a kiss and a cuddle. Everyone keeps asking if I’m going to move. I don’t have any plans to move at the moment, I’m doing up my house. Other people in the street have been fine with me.”

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service clarified that the courts lack the authority to impose restrictions on Warren’s residence. “The judge could not have imposed restrictions. When on bail, conditions can be set, but there is no legal provision to prevent the defendant from moving near the victim,” they explained. An Essex Police representative assured the public that Warren remains under police monitoring as a registered sex offender, emphasizing ongoing surveillance and enforcement of legal obligations.