SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE ONLINE ACCOUNTS
A suspended jail sentence has been handed to sex offender Steven Banner, aged 48, from The Island, Anthorn, near Wigton.
He admitted to seven offences during his court appearance before a deputy district judge at Carlisle’s Rickergate court.
The offences included twice breaching his sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with the terms of his registration as a sex offender.
These breaches were discovered when police visited Banner at his home and investigated his online activities.
It was revealed that he had failed to disclose several online accounts, including one related to an eBay account and two for YouTube, among five total online accounts he had usernames for.
The police found that Banner had denied access to his devices and online storage when questioned.
He claimed that these oversights were unintentional and that he understood the conditions of his registration.
His defense lawyer, Duncan Campbell, requested a non-custodial sentence, arguing that Banner made a genuine mistake and had taken steps to prevent recurrence.
However, Deputy District Judge Anita Price sentenced Banner to 34 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.
Additionally, Banner was required to pay £85 in costs and a £187 victim surcharge.
The judge indicated that she believed Banner had a genuine prospect of rehabilitation.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
hat Banner made a genuine mistake and had taken steps to prevent recurrence. However, Deputy District Judge Anita Price sentenced Banner to 34 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend 15 rehabilitation activity...
Court order
The offences included twice breaching his sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with the terms of his registration as a sex offender
Prison sentence
34 weeks
However, Deputy District Judge Anita Price sentenced Banner to 34 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend 15 rehabilitation activity days
Suspended sentence
two years
However, Deputy District Judge Anita Price sentenced Banner to 34 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend 15 rehabilitation activity days
Fine or payment
Additionally, Banner was required to pay 85 in costs and a 187 victim surcharge
