WAYNE CHALLIS CAUGHT IN SAWBRIDGEWORTH AND SHEERING PARKS DESPITE COURT BAN

In May of this year, a disturbing incident unfolded in the town of Sawbridgeworth when a known sex offender, Wayne Challis, was found acting suspiciously within an open public space, specifically Pishiobury Park. Challis, who has a history of sexual offenses, was observed by a vigilant woman walking her dog. She noticed him with his hood pulled up, walking close to a fence, and decided to alert the authorities after feeling uneasy about his behavior.

Police officers responded promptly to the scene and located Challis still within the park. During questioning, Challis attempted to conceal his identity by providing false names. When asked about his presence in the park, he claimed he had come there simply to sit down. However, further checks revealed that he was lying about his identity, as he had given a false name initially and then a second false name when pressed.

Challis, aged 51 and residing at Crown Close, Sheering, was already subject to a court order that prohibited him from entering parks where members of the public might be present. This order was issued following his conviction at Chelmsford Crown Court for causing or inciting prostitution. The order, known as a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, was put into effect on March 31 of the previous year and explicitly forbade him from entering such public spaces.

According to the prosecution, Challis's behavior in the park was suspicious enough to warrant police intervention. The officer, Alan Landsbury, explained that Challis appeared hunched over with his hands in his pockets and his hood pulled up, which raised suspicion given the area was somewhat secluded and off the beaten track. The woman who initially spotted him was concerned enough to call the police, leading to his arrest.

During the arrest, police observed that Challis had been drinking alcohol, and his jeans were unbuttoned, further indicating inappropriate behavior. Challis admitted to officers that he had offered money to a teenage boy for sex, specifically £20, but the boy went home and informed his mother, who then contacted the police, resulting in Challis's arrest.

At a subsequent hearing at St Albans Crown Court, Challis pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing police and breaching the Sexual Offences Prevention Order. His defense lawyer, Patrick Maggs, highlighted that since his previous conviction, Challis had made some progress, including seeking help for his alcohol issues and attending a sex offenders' program.

On June 21, Recorder Philip Brook Smith QC sentenced Challis to 12 weeks in prison, but this sentence was suspended for a year. Additionally, Challis was placed under a 12-month supervision order, and the three-year community order previously imposed at Chelmsford would remain in effect. This case underscores the ongoing challenges and legal restrictions faced by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially when they violate court orders designed to protect the public from potential harm.