LEWIS RYLATT CAUGHT AT DERBY STATION AFTER REPEATED OFFENSES IN DERBYSHIRE, BIRMINGHAM, AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

In April 2021, a convicted child sex offender named Lewis Rylatt was once again taken into custody after repeatedly failing to disclose his whereabouts to law enforcement authorities, despite being under strict legal obligations. The case was heard at Derby Crown Court, where it was revealed that Rylatt had been deliberately staying one step ahead of the police by moving across different regions, including Derbyshire, Birmingham, and Nottinghamshire, in an apparent attempt to evade detection.

His efforts to conceal his location ultimately failed when he was apprehended at Derby's Midland Railway Station. The arrest marked a significant development in a series of violations of court orders and legal restrictions imposed on him due to his previous convictions. Judge Shaun Smith QC sentenced the 22-year-old to 22 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his repeated breaches and the potential danger he posed to the public.

During the sentencing, Judge Smith expressed concern over Rylatt’s refusal to disclose his residence, noting that he was living with individuals who had children. The judge stated, "You won’t tell anybody where you live and you are living with people who have children. You know you can’t do that and you lie and lie. You are putting children at risk and you are somebody who poses a considerable risk because of the fact that you won’t comply with court orders." The judge further highlighted that Rylatt’s ongoing non-cooperation prevented authorities from fully understanding his activities, thereby increasing the risk to vulnerable individuals.

Prosecutor Noel Philo provided additional context, explaining that Rylatt had previously been sentenced in November 2018 to a three-year community order for offenses involving an underage girl. As part of that sentence, he was placed on the sex offender register and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which mandated that he inform police of his whereabouts and prohibited him from residing at addresses where children were present.

Despite these restrictions, Rylatt had breached the conditions multiple times. His breaches led to a 17-month jail sentence in October 2019, but he was released early on parole. Since his release, he continued to violate the terms of his orders, living at various locations including Birmingham, Derbyshire, and Worksop, and maintaining relationships with vulnerable young women, some of whom had children.

His repeated violations culminated in his arrest at Derby railway station in February 2021. Rylatt, currently held at HMP Dovegate, pleaded guilty to breaching his sexual harm prevention order, the community order, and the notification requirements of the sex offender register. The court did not disclose the specific details of his original offenses from 2018, other than confirming that they involved an underage girl, but emphasized the ongoing risk he posed to society due to his non-compliance and evasive behavior.