PETER MARTIN FROM ASPATRIA AND CARLISLE BACK IN JAIL FOR POSSESSING MOBILE PHONES DESPITE SEX OFFENCES ORDER

In a troubling development, Peter Martin, a man with a disturbing history linked to child exploitation, has been re-incarcerated after violating the strict conditions of his release. Martin, who previously served time for possessing an extensive collection of child pornography, was found in possession of two mobile phones, breaching the terms of his sexual offences prevention order.

Martin, aged 56 and formerly residing in Seaville near Aspatria, was released from prison but was under strict restrictions that prohibited him from possessing any devices capable of internet access. These conditions were put in place to prevent him from reoffending or accessing harmful material. Despite these restrictions, Martin was discovered living in a city centre hostel in Carlisle, where he was found with a Motorola mobile phone that had internet capabilities. The discovery prompted police intervention and a subsequent search of his belongings.

During the search, officers also examined Martin’s Volvo car, which was parked nearby. Inside the vehicle’s glove compartment, they found a Blackberry phone, also equipped with internet access. Both devices were confiscated and examined by police detectives. It was revealed that Martin had been given his mobile phones back by prison officials upon his release, and he had obtained a SIM card to use with the devices. Notably, he purchased the Blackberry for £60.

Martin’s criminal history is extensive. In 2008, he was sentenced to three years in prison after authorities uncovered more than 16,000 images of child pornography in his possession. He was also found to have shared these images with individuals across the globe through emails, chatrooms, and his own website, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the distribution of such material.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Martin faced additional charges for breaching his sexual offences prevention order. Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson detailed how police found him with the internet-enabled Motorola phone while he was residing at the hostel. The court heard that Martin had been given his phones back after serving his previous sentence, and he had purchased the Blackberry for £60, further demonstrating his disregard for the restrictions imposed on him.

During the hearing, Alison Whalley, representing Martin, argued that neither of the phones was used to access the internet at the time of the discovery. However, Judge Paul Batty QC was unequivocal in his remarks, stating, “You were warned when I sentenced you in 2008 that you were prohibited from being in possession of any equipment that can access the internet. You served a year in jail and then within a relatively short period of time you breached the order.”

As a result of his breach, Martin was sentenced to serve an additional eight months in prison. Furthermore, he is required to complete the remainder of his licence period, which extends until January 2011. Only after fulfilling these obligations will he serve the new sentence imposed yesterday.

Detective Superintendent Andy Slattery of Cumbria police emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of conditions for individuals with a history of sexual offences. “When anyone who has conditions while on licence for sexual prevention offences, we take active steps to enforce them. We collect intelligence from a wide range of sources and we will take action against anyone who breaches those orders,” he stated, underscoring the police’s commitment to public safety and the prevention of reoffending.