CORBIN CURRAN FROM COPNOR, PORTSMOUTH, JAILED FOR REPEATEDLY VIOLATING SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTIONS

In February 2007, Corbin Curran, a known sex offender residing in Copnor, Portsmouth, was sentenced to prison after a series of blatant violations of a court-imposed order designed to protect children from potential harm. Despite being subject to a Sex Offenders Prevention Order (Sopo), Curran repeatedly defied the restrictions, which explicitly prohibited him from making contact with minors, and continued to invite children into his home.

Curran, aged 51 at the time, has a troubling history that dates back to the 1990s, when he was convicted of indecent assault on young boys and gross indecency. The Sopo was issued in December after authorities received credible information indicating that children had been seen entering his residence on Copnor Road, in the Copnor district of Portsmouth. The order specifically barred him from communicating with three named children, aiming to prevent any further contact that could lead to harm.

However, just days after the order was put into place, police officers responded to reports and visited Curran’s home. During this visit, they discovered that children continued to gather at his property, effectively turning his flat into a regular hangout spot. Recognizing the ongoing risk, authorities extended the terms of the Sopo to include any child under the age of 16, broadening the scope of supervision and restrictions placed on Curran.

Despite these measures, police monitoring his activities observed that, only nine days later, four children aged between 12 and 14 were found at his residence. This blatant breach prompted immediate action, and Curran was arrested on the spot. During police interviews, he admitted to breaching the order on four previous occasions by allowing a teenage boy into his flat, further demonstrating a pattern of disregard for the restrictions meant to safeguard vulnerable minors.

Law enforcement officials responsible for community supervision emphasized their swift response to the situation. Detective Inspector Nigel Oliver, who leads the Offender Management Unit, stated, “We acted swiftly in this case and I’m satisfied that we did everything we could. There was a risky situation building here and we acted promptly following the information we received to prevent anything untoward from happening. The case shows that the system of monitoring in place is good and usable and that breaches of these orders will be treated seriously by the courts.”

At Portsmouth Crown Court, Curran was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Judge Ian Pearson condemned his actions, describing the breaches as “flagrant” and emphasizing their seriousness. The judge remarked, “Although these offences did not lead directly to sexual acts, they are repeated, flagrant breaches of an order designed to protect young children. The contact you had with the children may well have been for a possible sexual motive.”

Curran pleaded guilty to five counts of breaching the Sopo, acknowledging his violations and the danger posed by his continued contact with minors despite legal restrictions. His case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and strict enforcement of orders intended to prevent child exploitation and abuse, especially in communities like Copnor and Portsmouth where such incidents have raised significant concern among residents and authorities alike.