BENJAMIN GRANT FROM CARLISLE JAILED FOR REPEATED OFFENCES AND BREACHES OF SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

Benjamin Michael Perry Grant, a registered sex offender residing in Carlisle, found himself back in legal trouble following a series of violations linked to his previous criminal conduct. The 29-year-old was sentenced to prison at Carlisle Crown Court after a judge described his actions as a 'series of offences' that demonstrated a blatant disregard for court-imposed restrictions and safety measures.

Grant’s criminal history includes a past relationship with a woman that lasted from March to November 2023. During this period, he was convicted of stalking her in February 2024, which led to the imposition of a restraining order against him. This order was part of a broader set of restrictions designed to prevent further harassment and to monitor his online activity, as he was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and sex offender notification requirements. These legal measures aimed to restrict his internet use and ensure police could keep his personal information up to date.

Despite these restrictions, Grant’s violations came to light during a police home visit on October 5th, 2024. Officers arrived at his residence in Carlisle to conduct a routine check, but what they discovered was troubling. Prosecutor Estelle Chambers explained to the court that during the inspection, Grant’s phone was examined, revealing that four applications previously disclosed to authorities were no longer present on the device. More alarmingly, forensic analysis uncovered that an Instagram conversation had been deleted from his phone. The timing of this deletion coincided precisely with the police visit, strongly indicating that Grant had intentionally erased the messages as officers arrived.

One of the messages sent by Grant to his former partner read: 'Do not reply. Police checks.' This message, along with others, highlighted his ongoing attempts to contact her despite the restraining order. Ms. Chambers noted that the victim had reported being contacted multiple times by Grant after the restraining order was put in place. Although she had explicitly told him to cease all communication, Grant persisted by sending her voice notes. Furthermore, he was observed standing within 50 metres of her residence in October, which was a direct breach of the restraining order.

Adding to his violations, Grant had established a new Instagram account that he did not disclose to the authorities, further demonstrating his attempts to circumvent restrictions. After police visited his home, Grant reportedly asked his former partner to consider withdrawing the restraining order, an act that underscored his continued attempts to exert control over her. The impact on the woman was significant; she described her mental health as being severely affected, experiencing depression and distress due to Grant’s persistent harassment.

Grant, who was previously based in Kirkby Thore but now has no fixed address, admitted to five breaches of the SHPO, as well as violations of the restraining order and notification requirements. His defence lawyer, Mark Shepherd, argued that Grant had not sent any threatening messages and expressed his client’s desire to return to work and lead a lawful life.

In sentencing, Judge Nicholas Barker imposed an immediate prison term of 15 months. Additionally, Grant was banned from contacting his former partner for a period of three years. The judge remarked that Grant’s actions were motivated by a desire to control the victim, and he continued to do so despite the legal restrictions placed upon him.