STEPHEN HARRIS FROM BIDEFORD SENT BACK TO PRISON FOR DECEIT AND RETURNING TO CRIME SCENE

In a case that has once again cast a shadow over the town of Bideford, Stephen Harris, a convicted sex offender, has been re-incarcerated after deliberately providing false information to secure an American visa, enabling him to undertake a storm chasing holiday in the United States. Harris, aged 42 and residing on Kipling Terrace in Westward Ho!, had previously served an 18-month prison sentence in January 2010 for a series of serious offences, including the downloading of 1,607 child abuse images and filming children from his parents' house.

Following his release later that year, Harris was mandated to sign the sex offenders register for a decade, a legal requirement designed to monitor and restrict his movements. Despite this, he managed to travel to the United States on May 19 of this year, staying for two weeks without informing authorities of his departure, which is a breach of his legal obligations. During police interviews, Harris acknowledged that he was aware of the procedures required to leave the country, having previously traveled to France and completed the necessary paperwork correctly.

Prosecutor Ben Winzer highlighted that Harris admitted to intentionally lying about his past convictions to obtain the American visa. He also confessed to a prior breach of his reporting duties when he was living in Bournemouth without notifying authorities. Winzer emphasized that Harris's actions were not accidental but involved careful planning, and that his dishonesty in securing the visa was an aggravating factor in the case.

Defence lawyer Debbie Bakehouse argued that Harris had been transparent about his address changes with authorities and that his trip was motivated by a genuine passion for storm chasing. She described him as an enthusiast who made a foolish decision out of excitement, expressing remorse and asserting that this would be his last breach of conditions.

Magistrate Michael Buckley underscored the importance of public protection, stating, “The public need to feel that when someone is placed on the sex offenders register they have protection against this person. When this is breached it is a very serious matter. This was deliberate and planned. You lied to obtain a travel visa and you have admitted a previous breach.” As a result, Harris was sentenced to an additional eight weeks in prison.

In a separate incident in November 2011, Harris, who was then 40, was allowed to visit the house where his crimes had been committed, despite the community’s concerns. Harris had been jailed for 18 months for offences including the downloading of child pornography and filming children at his parents’ residence. After his release, he was rehomed at an undisclosed location away from his family home in Bideford.

Recently, Harris was seen visiting his parents’ house, which has caused distress among local residents and victims’ families. One mother, whose child was filmed by Harris, expressed her disgust at his presence in the neighborhood, stating she was only spared from encountering him by chance. She explained that police had previously assured her he would not be allowed back to that address, yet he was seen there twice within two days, with evidence suggesting he had overnight stays.

Concerned parents voiced fears about the proximity of Harris’s visits to local schools and the potential risk to children. They argued that his presence near the scene of his crimes was unacceptable and that he should be barred from the area altogether. Police officials, including DS Heather Bell from the Devon Public Protection Unit, confirmed that Harris is legally entitled to visit his parents and that he is under ongoing monitoring. Bell stated, “He is being monitored by public protection officers and anything that might constitute a breach would be noticed. Police have a duty to monitor those convicted and are fully aware of the circumstances in this case.”

In a letter to the local newspaper, Mrs. Harris clarified that her son does not reside permanently at the address and only visits for family occasions. She emphasized that her family is trying to handle the situation sensibly and that Harris’s visits are lawful. She expressed a desire for peace and stressed that her family is not guilty of any wrongdoing, only trying to navigate a difficult situation with understanding and patience.