CHRISTOPHER SUMMERS FROM BASELDON CAUGHT BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER BY ACCESSING BANNED PHONE AND LEGAL PORN SITES
In July 2020, a serious breach of a court-imposed order occurred involving Christopher Summers, a resident of The Greensted in Basildon.Summers, who had previously been convicted and sentenced for attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity after online communications, found himself back in trouble with the law due to his actions involving a mobile device.
Following his earlier conviction, Summers was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which explicitly prohibited him from possessing a mobile phone capable of internet access or using private browsing modes without notifying the police.
This measure was put in place to prevent further offending and to monitor his online activity.
Despite these restrictions, Summers purchased a Samsung phone that had the capability for private browsing, and he deliberately failed to inform the authorities when questioned about his device.
Using this phone, Summers accessed legal adult content websites, a fact he attempted to conceal from law enforcement.
To cover his tracks, he also deleted his internet browsing history, aiming to hide the sites he had visited from the police.
His actions represented a clear breach of the court order, and these violations came to light during a court hearing at Basildon Crown Court.
During the proceedings, Summers, who chose to represent himself, was questioned by Judge Samantha Cohen about his reasons for hiding the phone and visiting the adult sites.
His response was candid but troubling: “I don’t have an answer to that.
It was just to see what happened.” He also revealed that he had not informed his 90-year-old mother about his court appearance, citing concerns that a prison sentence could negatively impact her well-being.
The judge responded firmly, reminding Summers that he was aware of the consequences, stating, “You knew what would happen, you would be arrested.
You were told that six months ago.” Summers further explained that he was in a stable relationship and that his partner was planning to move to the UK within two to three weeks, suggesting some level of stability in his personal life.
Despite this, the judge found his breaches serious and indicative of ongoing risk.
In her sentencing, Judge Cohen decided to impose a six-month prison sentence, but it was suspended, meaning Summers would not serve time immediately.
The judge emphasized that her decision was heavily influenced by her concern for his elderly mother, stating, “It’s only because of the impact on your very elderly mother that I am going to suspend the prison sentence.” She also highlighted the gravity of his breaches, noting, “You present a risk of future offending by contacting young people.
These are deliberate breaches of your order.
You knew perfectly well that you should have told police you were using the phone and should not have used private browsing.” Concluding her remarks, Judge Cohen expressed her relief that Summers narrowly avoided immediate custody, remarking, “You have escaped custody by the skin of your teeth,” underscoring the seriousness of his violations and the potential danger posed by his actions.
