ROBERT HOMEWOOD FROM TONBRIDGE LIVING IN WOODS AFTER SEX OFFENDER CONVICTION

In a troubling development, Robert Homewood, a convicted sex offender from Tonbridge, has been found residing in the woodland areas surrounding the town, breaching the strict conditions of his sex offenders' registration. This case has raised serious concerns about the management and monitoring of individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those with complex mental health issues.

Back in April 2018, Homewood, aged 36, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl in 2008. At the time of his release, he was living with his disabled mother in Tonbridge, where he had been residing prior to his eviction. His life took a turn for the worse following a dispute with local authorities, which resulted in him being issued a restraining order and ordered to vacate his family home in November of the previous year.

Subsequently, Homewood failed to comply with legal obligations, notably neglecting to register his whereabouts at Tonbridge Police Station on four separate occasions. This is a mandatory requirement for anyone listed on the sex offenders' register, intended to ensure community safety and facilitate ongoing monitoring. His failure to do so was brought before Sevenoaks magistrates, who heard the case.

During the court proceedings, probation officer David Mowbray provided insight into Homewood’s deteriorating circumstances. He described how Homewood’s life had “descended into chaos” since his eviction, highlighting his struggles with memory and mental health. Mowbray explained, “He is homeless at the moment and has been for some time,” adding that Homewood had previously been living with his mother but was forced to leave after the dispute with the council. The officer revealed that Homewood had been living in the woods near Tonbridge, making makeshift shelters from branches and natural materials.

Further complicating the case, Homewood suffers from a range of mental health issues, including mood swings, paranoia, and early-onset dementia. His life has been marked by a series of challenges, including the fact that he has two children with the teenage girl he had previously sexually abused. The probation officer emphasized the need for comprehensive support, stating, “What is abundantly clear is that there are a myriad of issues that need to be addressed,” and noted that Homewood had not received significant community support.

He also pointed out that once Homewood secures a permanent address, he would be able to return to regular police notifications regarding his whereabouts, which is crucial for ongoing monitoring and community safety.

In light of these circumstances, magistrate Anne Lightbody handed down a sentence of a 12-month community order, which includes 30 days of rehabilitation activities supervised by the probation service. She expressed hope that this intervention would help address some of the underlying issues affecting Homewood. Additionally, he was ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge as part of his sentence.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing sex offenders, especially those with mental health complexities, and highlights the importance of vigilant community and legal oversight to prevent further harm.