STEVEN SINGLETON FROM LEVENS ESCAPES IMMEDIATE JAIL AFTER BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER IN CUMBRIA

In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about compliance among registered sex offenders, Steven Singleton, aged 63, from Levens near Kendal, has been found to have violated a court-imposed order related to his previous convictions. Singleton, who was first sentenced in 2014 for a series of offences involving indecent images of children and extreme pornography, was subject to a sexual offences prevention order designed to prevent further online misconduct.

This order mandated that Singleton declare all internet-enabled devices to the police and make them available for inspection and software installation to monitor his online activity. The purpose of such measures is to prevent offenders from re-engaging in illegal online behaviour and to ensure ongoing supervision.

However, during a routine police visit to Singleton’s residence on May 10 of the previous year, authorities discovered that he had failed to comply with these legal obligations. The police recovered a number of electronic devices from his home, including laptops, an iPhone, an iPad, a tablet, and Firesticks. These devices were seized as evidence of his non-compliance.

Following the discovery, Singleton admitted to breaching the terms of his sexual offences prevention order. His case was brought before Carlisle Crown Court, where Judge David Swinnerton presided. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the breach but decided against immediate imprisonment, opting instead for a suspended sentence. Singleton was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Singleton was ordered to undergo further rehabilitation through probation services. The court also decreed that the devices seized from his home would be permanently confiscated, removing them from his possession.

Judge Swinnerton emphasized the importance of strict compliance with the court’s orders, stating, “You must comply to the letter with the terms of the order.” This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on convicted sex offenders, especially in relation to online activity and electronic device usage.