Luke Rogers, a sex offender from Wolfscastle, has been incarcerated for utilising fictitious identities on WhatsApp and attempting to access a social networking application, so violating his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Luke Rogers, 38, received a 10-month prison term at Swansea Crown Court after admitting to two violations of the order established following his 2020 conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
Under the SHPO, Luke Rogers was barred from utilising unregistered internet-enabled gadgets or establishing online identities under fictitious names. Prosecutor Ryan Bowen informed the court that police surveillance software on Rogers’ phone identified activity in group conversations under three pseudonyms in November.
Subsequent inquiry disclosed that Luke Rogers had searched for the MeetMe application on four instances and acknowledged utilising it. Luke Rogers, characterised by Mr. Bowen as “apologetic,” was apprehended, and his mobile device was confiscated.
The court was informed that Luke Rogers has a record of 17 convictions for 35 crimes, which include violations of court orders and noncompliance with sex offender notification obligations.
Defence barrister Olivia Rose said Luke Rogers had cooperated fully with police and expressed a desire to change. She argued that his breaches stemmed from a misunderstanding about permitted names and emphasized his efforts to seek support.
Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Catherine Richards noted Luke Rogers’ pattern of reoffending and stated: “The reality is I can only pass an immediate custodial sentence.”
She expressed hope that Luke Rogers would take advantage of post-sentence supervision to break the cycle of offending.
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