MARTYN RODGER'S WITNEY CRIME: CHROMEBOK UNDER MATTRESS AND BREACH OF SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER

In May 2022, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Martyn Rodger, a resident of Witney, who found himself at the center of a serious legal breach related to his previous convictions. The case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in monitoring individuals with a history of sexual offenses and the importance of strict compliance with court orders.

Rodger, aged 26, has a complex background that includes mental health difficulties, leading to his financial affairs being managed by Oxfordshire County Council. This arrangement was put in place due to his mental health issues, which have also played a role in his legal troubles. In September of the previous year, Rodger requested financial assistance from his social worker to purchase a new Chromebook. The device was ordered from Argos and delivered to his residence on Eastfield Road in Witney.

Despite the authorities being aware of the order—information relayed to the police by the county council—Rodger was under strict obligations to inform law enforcement about any new internet-enabled devices he acquired. This requirement was part of a sexual harm prevention order imposed on him a month earlier, following a conviction for possession of indecent images. The order mandated that he register any new devices within three days of acquisition.

However, by September 16, when police officers arrived at his home, Rodger had not reported the Chromebook. Prosecutor Cathy Olliver explained to Oxford Crown Court that initially, Rodger denied having any new devices. It was only upon inspection that officers discovered the Chromebook hidden beneath his mattress. When confronted, Rodger falsely claimed that the device had been delivered only the day before and that he intended to declare it to authorities the following day.

During questioning, Rodger admitted to using the Chromebook to view adult pornography online. His actions constituted a breach of the sexual harm prevention order, which he had previously been warned about. At an earlier hearing, Rodger pleaded guilty to this breach. When asked at the Crown Court whether he acknowledged that his actions violated the terms of his suspended sentence, he responded affirmatively: “Indeed.”

Judge Maria Lamb sentenced Rodger to 18 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his breach. She stated, “I am sure it was made perfectly clear to you on that occasion [August 13, 2021, when you received a suspended sentence] what the consequences would be if you committed any further offence. Within a month, you had breached the sexual harm prevention order by failing to notify authorities about the Chromebook with internet access.” The judge further remarked, “I am quite satisfied you knew perfectly well you should have notified [the police of] the existence of that Chromebook.”

Upon release from prison, Rodger will be required to continue registering as a sex offender, and his sexual harm prevention order remains in effect. The case underscores the ongoing vigilance needed to prevent reoffending among individuals with a history of sexual misconduct, especially when new technology is involved.