DAMIEN FELLOWS OF TELFORD JAILED FOR REPEATED SEX OFFENCES AND BREACHES IN TELFORD AND WOLVERHAMPTON

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning over several years, Damien Fellows, a known sex offender from Telford, has been repeatedly caught violating court orders and engaging in inappropriate conduct in public spaces. His actions have prompted serious concern from authorities and have led to multiple convictions and jail sentences.

In September 2015, Fellows, aged 33 and residing on Brunel Road in Malinslee, Telford, was sentenced to two years in prison after he deliberately disobeyed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for the fifth time. The court heard that Fellows had approached staff at the Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre in Madeley, asking if he could change his clothes in front of other people. This request was a clear breach of the restrictions imposed by the SOPO, which was issued just weeks prior to the incident.

Fellows admitted to the breach during the court proceedings. The prosecution, led by Mr. Tariq Shakoor, outlined that Fellows was a registered sex offender with a long history of convictions dating back to 2005, including charges of harassment and battery. His criminal record also includes a 2010 conviction for sexual assault on young girls, which resulted in a 33-month prison sentence.

On August 1 of that year, staff members at the leisure centre overheard Fellows asking colleagues if he could change his clothes at the poolside in front of other visitors. According to Mr. Shakoor, initial assumptions by staff suggested Fellows might have a learning disability, prompting them to show him around the disabled changing room. However, Fellows expressed that the facilities were suitable and continued to inquire about how much of his body would be covered by water and whether he could change at the poolside for the convenience of others. His persistent questioning and inappropriate behavior led staff to escort him out, after which he was arrested by police.

Further investigations revealed that Fellows had a history of similar offenses, including acts of indecent exposure and public decency violations. Notably, just eight weeks before the August incident, Fellows was subject to a SOPO issued at Wolverhampton Crown Court on May 15. This order explicitly prohibited him from attending leisure centres without police permission, emphasizing the seriousness of his previous offenses and the court’s efforts to prevent further misconduct.

During the hearing, Fellows’ defense attorney, Mr. Dean Easthope, highlighted that his client was a young man on the autistic spectrum, suggesting that his understanding of social boundaries was impaired. Despite this, Judge Jonathan Gosling acknowledged Fellows’ difficulties but emphasized that his repeated offending over the past decade demonstrated a pattern of behavior that could not be overlooked. The judge underscored the importance of respecting court orders and the potential consequences of continued violations.

In a separate case from October 2013, Fellows, then aged 31 and with no fixed address, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison at Shrewsbury Crown Court after he admitted to breaching a SOPO just one month after it was imposed. This earlier incident involved Fellows exposing himself in community centers around Telford, including the Woodside Community Centre on July 25. The court had previously banned him from exposing himself in public places where he could be seen by others.

On September 16, a woman at Stirchley Medical Practice observed Fellows through the door of an ajar disabled toilet. She noticed him attempting to tuck his shirt into his trousers, with his left side facing the door, and making no effort to close the door or hide his actions. Her account highlighted the distress caused by Fellows’ behavior, especially considering the court’s explicit order against such conduct.

Judge Peter Barrie condemned Fellows’ repeated violations, emphasizing the distress caused to women and the importance of adhering to court-imposed restrictions. He pointed out that Fellows’ actions only a month after the court’s order demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law. Fellows expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry for any disturbances in Shropshire,” but the court made it clear that his behavior warranted a custodial sentence. Fellows was sentenced to serve half of the 12-week term and was ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for five years, underscoring the ongoing concern about his conduct and the need for continued monitoring.