Sex offender breached prevention order

A 22-YEAR-OLD man, identified as Jake Roberts, with no fixed residence, is set to be sentenced next month following his guilty pleas to charges including the breach of a sexual harm prevention order and the making of an indecent image of a child.

Roberts, who was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order in November 2021, found himself back in the legal spotlight after failing to comply with the order’s conditions. The court heard that Roberts had deleted the Telegram app and search history from his mobile device, a breach that occurred in Cilgerran between September 12 and October 27. Furthermore, he was accused of not allowing police officers access to his Snapchat account on November 14, also in Cilgerran.

Adding to his offences, Roberts was found to possess a Category A image – considered the most severe in legal terms – on August 30, in the same locality.

During a hearing at Swansea Crown Court on December 13, Roberts admitted to the deletion of the Telegram app and his search history but contested the remaining charges. However, on March 20, Roberts reappeared in court, this time pleading guilty to the second breach related to his refusal to allow police access to his Snapchat.

Prosecutor Helen Randall informed the court that the pleas entered by Roberts were deemed acceptable, leading to the cancellation of a trial that was scheduled for April 3.

Following his guilty pleas, Roberts was remanded in custody, with sentencing postponed to April 17. Recorder Christian Jowett has requested the preparation of a pre-sentence report and emphasized that all sentencing options are under consideration.

This case underscores the rigorous enforcement of sexual harm prevention orders and the legal consequences of noncompliance. Roberts’ sentencing next month will conclude a series of violations that have highlighted the challenges of monitoring individuals under such orders.