CHRISTOPHER BLANCHARD JAILED IN HULL FOR SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION FAILURES
In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about the monitoring of convicted sex offenders, Christopher Blanchard, a 23-year-old man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison at Hull Crown Court.The conviction stems from his repeated failure to comply with the legal requirements to inform authorities of his whereabouts, a mandate imposed following his previous conviction for a sexual offence involving a minor.
Blanchard, who is known to sleep in garden sheds and has been homeless for some time, was ordered in 2010 to notify the police of any change in his residence for a period of ten years.
This order was part of the conditions attached to his earlier conviction for causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Despite this, he failed to adhere to the regulation, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment in 2012 for a 60-day sentence after breaching the order on multiple occasions.
During the recent court proceedings, Blanchard admitted to three counts of failing to comply with the sex offenders' register and for failing to surrender to custody.
The court was informed that he had breached the registration requirements again, despite the previous penalties.
His defence lawyer, Paul Genney, provided context about Blanchard’s circumstances, describing him as a homeless individual who often sleeps in garden sheds.
Mr.
Genney emphasized that Blanchard appeared to be unaware that he still had a legal obligation to inform police of his address, especially given his transient lifestyle.
He further explained that Blanchard was hopeful of securing accommodation in the future, as he believed he was due compensation for an accident.
According to Mr.
Genney, Blanchard was involved in a bicycle accident on Holderness Road, which he believed would entitle him to approximately £5,000 in compensation.
The hope was that this money would enable him to find stable housing.
The lawyer stressed that Blanchard’s actions were not driven by a desire to evade detection but were instead the result of his difficult circumstances and inability to organize himself effectively.
During the hearing, Blanchard, who was watching proceedings via a videolink from Hull Prison, interjected to state that he had an address to go to if released.
He provided an address at College Grove, Hull, which was also the location where he was initially picked up.
The judge, Mark Bury, responded by emphasizing the importance of the registration requirement, noting that it exists for public safety reasons and that monitoring individuals convicted of sexual offences against children is crucial.
Judge Bury highlighted that this was Blanchard’s fourth offence related to failing to notify police of his whereabouts.
He underscored the necessity for Blanchard to understand the seriousness of complying with the legislation, warning that continued non-compliance would not be tolerated.
The sentence handed down reflected the gravity of his repeated failures and the importance of public safety in cases involving sex offenders.
