RICHARD MASON CAUGHT WORKING AT FAIRGROUNDS IN RAWTENSTALL DESPITE SEX OFFENDER ORDER

In a troubling case that highlights ongoing concerns about the supervision of convicted sex offenders, Richard Mason, a 21-year-old man from Rawtenstall, was found to be working at fairgrounds in Blackburn despite having a court-imposed Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) in place. The order was originally issued following Mason's December 2005 conviction for rape and sexual assault, which marked a serious chapter in his criminal history.

Despite the restrictions placed upon him, Mason repeatedly violated the terms of his SOPO. The court heard that he had taken part in a cycle race involving children and had secured employment on fairgrounds, where he assisted children onto and off rides. These activities occurred after his release from custody, raising significant concerns about his compliance with court orders designed to protect minors. The police, specifically specialist officers, monitored Mason covertly at the fairgrounds, but during the investigation, no evidence of sexual misconduct was uncovered.

Richard Mason, who was previously residing on Queen Street in Rawtenstall and more recently living at Haworth House hostel in Blackburn, admitted to breaching the SOPO. His breaches led to his being committed for sentencing by magistrates. The court was informed that Mason had been detained from March 30 to June 19 for violating the order, but he had shown some progress during his time at Haworth House, a facility that provides supervised accommodation. The authorities expressed willingness to continue supporting his rehabilitation by offering him a six-month stay at the hostel.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Newell emphasized Mason's pattern of disregarding court directives. He noted that Mason, who has “limitations,” had been making his own rules and had struck while on bail, despite knowing he should not have contact with children. The judge pointed out that Mason’s breaches included working on fairgrounds and helping children with rides, activities that were clearly prohibited under his SOPO. Mason’s previous incarceration from late March to mid-June was also mentioned, along with his subsequent release and the ongoing supervision.

Judge Newell imposed a two-year community order, which included supervision and residence at Haworth House. Additionally, Mason was subjected to a prohibited activity requirement, which barred him from any contact with children under 18, from having minors living in his home, and from visiting locations frequented by children under that age. An 8pm to 6am curfew was also enforced to restrict his movements during nighttime hours.

Prosecutor Julian Taylor recounted that Mason had been sentenced to three years in detention in December 2005. His breaches of the SOPO, including participation in the cycle race and working at the fairground, resulted in a six-month supervision order. Further breaches included employment on a merry-go-round in Accrington, which was used exclusively by small children. Since his release from custody on June 19, Mason has been residing at Haworth House, where he receives supervision and support.

Defense attorney Judith McCullough stated that Mason understood the importance of adhering to court orders and recognized that non-compliance could lead to re-imprisonment. She highlighted that the structured environment at Haworth House had positively influenced him and that his financial stability meant he did not need to seek unsuitable employment. McCullough emphasized that Mason had accepted a job and was making efforts to comply with the conditions set by the court, demonstrating a willingness to reform and integrate back into society.