A registered Paedophile sex offender, Richard Howes, from Medway, now under a suspended sentence, has been incarcerated for noncompliance with court mandates.
On 20 August 2021, Richard Howes received a sexual harm prevention order at Maidstone Crown Court after being convicted of producing indecent photos of children.
This order mandated that he make any internet-enabled device accessible for police inspection upon request and inform them within three days of acquiring any new devices.
On 28 February 2024, officers visited Richard Howes after they suspected he had a new phone and had failed to notify police. Howes presented a phone and a tablet for inspection and denied having any other devices.
Richard Howes was arrested and a search of his property located two further tablets and another phone he had not declared.
Richard Howes, of Prospect Row, Chatham, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to three breaches of a sexual harm prevention order.
The 59-year-old was sentenced on Thursday 3 October, to one year and six months’ imprisonment. This included six months for breaching a suspended sentence.
Investigating officer, PC Areolito Gashi, said:
‘When an offender receives a sexual harm prevention order the restrictions on their conduct are explained and they sign to confirm they understand what is required of them. The offender then has to show they can comply with the conditions over a period set by the court.‘
Howes failed to demonstrate he could be trusted whilst at large in the community and must now reflect on his failure whilst behind bars.’
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.