CRAIG STANLEY ILMINSTER SEX OFFENDER BREACHES ORDER AND SOCIALIZES WITH CHILDREN IN DEVON

In October 2014, Craig Stanley, a registered sex offender from Ilminster, found himself at the center of a serious legal breach that raised concerns about his compliance with strict legal restrictions. Despite being under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), Stanley engaged in activities that put him in close contact with children, including a six-year-old girl, which ultimately led to his arrest and court proceedings.

Stanley, aged 30 and residing at The Mead in Ilminster, had previously been subject to a police caution in 2005 for an allegation involving sexual activity with a child. Following this, in June 2006, authorities obtained an indefinite SOPO against him, imposing various notification requirements designed to monitor his movements and associations. These legal measures aimed to prevent any further offenses and to ensure public safety.

However, in 2014, it emerged that Stanley had violated these restrictions. His relationship with a woman he met through an internet dating site began in February of that year. The court heard that the two exchanged mobile numbers, and Stanley visited her residence multiple times, often staying overnight while her child was not present. The woman introduced her six-year-old daughter to Stanley in April, and he continued to visit her home regularly over the subsequent months.

During this period, Stanley stayed at her address on five separate occasions between May 2 and September 9. On at least two occasions, he went on day trips with her family, including attending the Dawlish Air Show in Devon. Most notably, on July 20, Stanley joined the young girl in a paddling pool at her home, an activity that raised significant concern given his prior convictions and the restrictions placed upon him.

Further investigations revealed that Stanley had failed to notify the police about his address where he stayed for 12 hours or more, a requirement under his SOPO, especially since a child under 18 was present. Additionally, he did not disclose the possession of two credit cards in his name during the same period, breaching notification obligations.

Prosecutor Emma Chetland highlighted that Stanley's history included a police caution in 2005 for a sexual offence involving a child. She explained that the police had obtained an indefinite SOPO against him in June 2006, which mandated strict notification and reporting duties. Despite these legal restrictions, Stanley continued to engage in activities that brought him into contact with children, including participating in family outings and social activities involving his girlfriend’s daughter.

Defense lawyer Bill Gayer acknowledged Stanley’s learning difficulties, noting that he cannot read or write and has a very low mental age. He explained that Stanley was unaware he was still subject to the SOPO at the time of his activities. Gayer stated, “He cannot read or write and has a very low mental age however over the internet he met a lady and had a relationship,” adding that Stanley admitted to going in the paddling pool with the girl and buying her chocolate buttons.

Following the hearing, magistrates decided to adjourn the case until November 7 to allow for a pre-sentence report. Meanwhile, Stanley was granted bail under strict conditions, including a curfew from 10 pm to 7 am, residence at his home address, and a prohibition on contacting a specific witness directly or indirectly. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the monitoring and management of convicted sex offenders, especially those with learning difficulties, and highlights the importance of strict adherence to legal restrictions designed to protect vulnerable children.