NEIL HARVEY

SOUTHAMPTON PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR DELETING WHATSAPP MESSAGES

A man in his 60s previously convicted for sending indecent images was caught sending sexual messages to a teenager.Repeat offender Neil Harvey was jailed last week after police found him deleting messages on various apps and forums, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and chat forums.

The police discovered that Harvey had been using these messaging platforms and was actively deleting messages, which were of a sexual nature.

Officers found he had been exchanging sexual images with a 17-year-old but could not recall the exact details of what was exchanged.

In addition to the chat messaging, Harvey had been deleting his internet history to conceal his activities.This behavior was in breach of a sexual harm prevention order imposed in 2020 after his previous conviction for distributing indecent images of children.

Harvey, who appeared in court without legal representation and pleaded guilty, stated he "deeply regrets" what brought him there and acknowledged that "the onus is on me to comply with my obligations" in relation to his order.

The case was heard at Southampton Crown Court on July 18.

During the sentencing, Judge Christopher Parker KC emphasized that Harvey "should have known these restrictions were in force" and are meant to safeguard the public.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.Harvey's previous offences of a sexual nature contributed to the severity of his current sentence.

The police report highlighted that the breaches were discovered during a routine home inspection on May 23, which revealed Harvey's active use of messaging apps and deletion of messages.

The offences date back to May 5 through May 23 of that year.