MARK WALDUCK FROM CLAYTON-LE-MOORS BREACHES SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

In October 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Mark Walduck, a resident of Clayton-le-Moors, who was found to have violated a court-imposed sexual harm prevention order. The court proceedings revealed that Walduck, a 53-year-old man, had come into contact with a nine-year-old boy on multiple occasions, despite the restrictions placed upon him.

According to the magistrates in Blackburn, Walduck's actions constituted a clear breach of the sexual harm prevention order, which explicitly required him to obtain the express approval of Social Services before engaging in any contact with children. This order was put in place as a safeguard following Walduck's previous conviction related to indecent images of children, a serious offense that had already marked him as a risk to minors.

During the court hearing, it was disclosed that the child's family was fully aware of Walduck's conviction and the restrictions imposed by the order. They believed that their interactions with him were within the legal boundaries and had no objections to the contact. This understanding was confirmed by the prosecution, which emphasized that the family thought they were complying with all legal requirements.

Walduck pleaded guilty to the charge of breaching the sexual harm prevention order. In sentencing, the magistrates acknowledged that the breach appeared to be a mistake on his part. As a result, Walduck was fined £135, with additional costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £35. The chairman of the magistrates expressed that while the breach was serious, they accepted that it was not intentional but rather a mistake by the defendant.

Andy Robinson, representing the prosecution, reiterated that the child's family was aware of Walduck's criminal background and the restrictions in place. They believed they were acting in accordance with the law, which underscores the importance of clear communication and understanding of such orders to prevent further breaches and protect vulnerable children.