ANTHONY BRIGGS OF THORNABY JAILED FOR DECEIT AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEX OFFENDER REGULATIONS

In a recent development at Teesside Crown Court, Anthony Wayne Briggs, a known sex offender from Thornaby, has been sentenced to prison for multiple violations of legal requirements concerning his status and whereabouts. Briggs, who has a long history of sexual offences involving young girls, was convicted on three separate occasions in the past, with sentences handed down in 1994, 1997, and 2002. Despite these convictions, he remains untreated and considered untreatable as a sex offender, a point emphasized by the presiding judge during the sentencing.

Under the law, individuals like Briggs are mandated to inform authorities of any changes to their personal details, including their name and address. However, Briggs failed to comply with these legal obligations. He did not disclose his recent move between bedsits within a building on Heslop Street in Thornaby, where he was residing with his pregnant girlfriend. Additionally, he did not inform authorities about his new flat on Oxford Road, which he had signed up for, thereby breaching notification requirements.

The situation came to light during a routine midwife appointment last December, when Briggs, then claiming to be the baby’s stepfather, provided a false name—Brian Moore. It was only later that he revealed his true identity. This act of deception was part of a pattern of non-compliance with legal obligations, as Briggs had previously failed to notify authorities of his whereabouts and personal details.

Briggs, aged 39, pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to adhere to the notification requirements. His criminal record is extensive, with a total of 49 previous offences, underscoring his long history of criminal activity.

During the hearing, Duncan McReddie, representing Briggs, argued that his client was aware of the errors in his conduct and expressed a desire to lead a normal life. However, the barrister acknowledged that this hope was likely lost forever due to the consequences of his actions. McReddie emphasized that Briggs’ misconduct was not driven by malicious intent but was detected swiftly, preventing further potential harm.

Judge Peter Bowers addressed the court, highlighting the seriousness of Briggs’ deliberate and persistent deception, especially during the midwife appointment. The judge pointed out that such conduct could have posed significant risks to children, given Briggs’ history and failure to cooperate with authorities. He stated, “Notification requirements are a basic responsibility and, if not complied with, will be treated seriously and severely.”

Furthermore, Judge Bowers emphasized that authorities are justified in viewing Briggs as a potential risk to children, and any contact he might have with minors should be carefully assessed. The judge condemned Briggs’ unwillingness to cooperate with legal obligations, underscoring the importance of compliance for public safety.

In conclusion, Briggs was sentenced to nine months in prison, with the judge making it clear that breaches of notification orders would result in immediate incarceration. The sentence serves as a stern reminder that failure to adhere to legal requirements concerning sex offenders will be met with strict penalties, reinforcing the message that such breaches are taken very seriously by the justice system.