WILLIAM ROAST FROM EXETER JAILED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER AT CITY HOME
In November 2010, William Roast, a known sex offender residing in Exeter, was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of breaching his Sex Offender Prevention Order (SOPO).Roast, aged 41 and living at Heneaton Square, Countess Wear, was apprehended by police while sitting inside a woman’s living room in Exeter, with her three children present.
The court was informed that Roast had no intention of committing any offence at the time of his arrest, but his presence in the woman’s home was a clear violation of the strict conditions set by his SOPO.
Roast had previously pleaded guilty to breaching the order, which had been issued by Exeter Crown Court on April 1 of that year.
The order explicitly prohibited him from being in the company of any child under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who was aware of his conviction.
Additionally, Roast was found to be in breach of a conditional discharge imposed by magistrates in September for failing to comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender Register.
His criminal record was extensive, including convictions for sexual activity with a minor under 18 and witness intimidation.
The Exeter Echo reported that the sexual offence was committed in 2008 when Roast was alone with the young girl.
His criminal history encompasses over 100 offences, ranging from violence and drug-related crimes to burglary and driving offences.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Ann Hampshire emphasized that Roast had been explicitly warned about the restrictions imposed by his SOPO.
The order was part of his sentencing, and it clearly forbade him from being in the company of minors unless with a responsible adult who was aware of his criminal background.
On August 26, police visited Roast to ensure he understood the conditions of his order.
His response was dismissive; he stated, “I don’t have to comply with anything,” and swore when questioned again in October, showing a blatant disregard for the restrictions.
Six days after this second warning, police responded to a call from a woman’s residence in Exeter.
They found Roast sitting in her front room.
The woman stated she had no prior knowledge of his sexual offence conviction.
She explained that Roast was an acquaintance from the past who had knocked on her door, entered her home uninvited, and sat on her sofa.
Roast’s breach of the Sex Offender Register was also addressed in court.
He had failed to keep his details up to date, which led to the imposition of a conditional discharge.
Defence solicitor Vanessa Francis argued that Roast’s visit was not targeted at minors and was motivated by a genuine reason.
She explained that he had gone to the woman’s house because she had told him her mobile phone charger was not working.
Francis described Roast as a man who was isolated and lonely, seeking friendship in a small community where his offences were well known.
She also noted that the probation service had become disillusioned with Roast, as he had previously complied with community orders for unrelated offences but found his current restrictions difficult to adhere to.
Judge Neligan sentenced Roast to serve half of his six-month prison term before being released on licence.
The court also took into account the time Roast had already spent in custody during his remand.
The judge emphasized the importance of enforcing the restrictions to protect the community, especially minors, from potential harm.
