Colchester man jailed for sex offence non-compliance

COLCHESTER MAN JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCE NON-COMPLIANCE

Lewis Buckley, aged 27, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court after admitting to charges of theft and failure to comply with requirements for sex offenders.

The court was informed that Buckley failed to report to a police station after being released from HMP Chelmsford earlier this year, where he served a 12-week sentence for exposure.

Prosecutor Stuart Cowen highlighted that this was his fifth such offence, which worsened his case.

Buckley, who was of no fixed abode in Colchester, also stole clothing worth £150 from H&M in May and was arrested following a report from a member of the public.

During the court hearing, Buckley spat into an air vent, prompting an adjournment for sanitation.

A pre-sentence report cited mental health issues, substance use, homelessness, and a turbulent life.

When the judge explained the sentence, Buckley launched a verbal assault on the court, calling the magistrate and staff 'shameful' and a 'cretin.' Despite warnings, he refused to move to the cells, leading to three officers wrestling him to the ground.

He was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison for failing to report as a sex offender and an additional month for theft.

Buckley’s conduct included shouting at the magistrates while they sentenced him, and he continued to be disruptive until forcibly restrained.