OLIVER BYRNE FROM ALVASTON AND SHARDLOW JAILED FOR SEX CRIME BREACHES IN DERBY

In a case that has once again cast a shadow over the reputation of a Derby resident with a troubling criminal history, Oliver Byrne, a former car salesman from Derby, has been sentenced to eight months in prison after breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Byrne, who has previously been convicted of child sex offenses, was found to have created a file sharing account on a Russian website without notifying the police, as required by the strict conditions of his existing order.

According to court proceedings, Byrne, aged 34, was under a court-imposed sexual harm prevention order following his conviction in January 2017 for making indecent images of children. This order mandated that he keep law enforcement informed about various online activities, including the email addresses he registered, his use of virtual storage services, and his social media accounts. These conditions were put in place to monitor and prevent any further inappropriate behavior.

Despite these restrictions, Byrne failed to comply. In December of the previous year, authorities were alerted to suspicious activity originating from an internet address linked to him. The prosecutor described this activity as being for “concerning purposes,” prompting an investigation. It was only in July 2020 that police arrested Byrne, after analysis of his online accounts revealed that he had been using a Russian file sharing website. However, during the investigation, it was confirmed that Byrne had not been viewing any child sex images, which was a relief given his prior conviction.

During the court hearing at Derby Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Bennett addressed Byrne directly, stating, “You are 34 years of age and you pleaded guilty to three breaches of your sexual harm prevention order by doing things and practices you should have not been doing. You have a previous conviction for failing to notify the police of your (permanent) address following your conviction in 2017.”

Prosecutor Luc Chignell provided further details, explaining that Byrne, formerly residing at Marsh Green Close, Alvaston, and now at Shardlow Marina, had been convicted in January 2017 for making indecent images of children. The court was told that Byrne was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which required him to inform police of his registered email addresses and virtual storage facilities. However, he failed to disclose his use of a Russian website for these purposes.

Chignell recounted that in December 2019, police received intelligence indicating that an internet address associated with Byrne was being used for concerning activities. An investigation confirmed the address belonged to him, leading to his arrest in July 2020. During police interviews, Byrne admitted to creating an email account and using it multiple times, claiming he was intoxicated at the time. His failure to report this activity constituted the breach of his order.

Byrne pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order. In mitigation, his legal representative, Will Bennett, explained that Byrne, who has been held at HMP Nottingham since July, has already served half of his sentence. Bennett noted that Byrne was employed in sales at Available Car in Castle Donington prior to his remand and was close to receiving a promotion, which he has now lost.

Bennett also highlighted Byrne’s personal circumstances, including his residence with his mother, contact with his brother, and the recent health issues of his grandmother, who had suffered a heart attack and just been discharged from hospital. The lawyer emphasized that Byrne’s remand in custody has prevented him from supporting his family during this difficult time, leading to feelings of guilt and remorse.

Judge Bennett concluded the hearing by sentencing Byrne to eight months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of breaching a court order designed to protect children and prevent further offenses. The case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring individuals with prior convictions and the importance of strict compliance with court-imposed restrictions.