PORTHCAWL OFFENDER CAUGHT BREACHING SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER
A convicted sex offender, Andrew Thornton, aged 56, who was previously convicted of attempting to communicate sexually with a child in 2021 and subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) that prohibited him from communicating with children under 16, was found to be in breach of this order.During an examination of his phone, police discovered he was using an encrypted application called Zangi, which hindered traceability, along with the Telegram app and an Airbnb for bookings.
Furthermore, Thornton was found in possession of children's underwear sized between 12 and 14 years, for which he could not provide an explanation.
The police investigation revealed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl.
Thornton's address was searched, and two additional phones, not registered with probation, were seized.
He later pleaded guilty to breaching his SHPO.
The court heard he has five previous convictions.
In mitigation, his lawyer stated Thornton lives alone and is employed as a delivery driver, with potential for rehabilitation.
Despite this, Judge Jeremy Jenkins sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and imposed additional community orders including a two-year community order, rehabilitation activity, six-month trail monitoring, 120 hours of unpaid work, and a £150 court cost fee.
