DANIEL CHANT FROM WORCESTER JAILED FOR FAILING TO REPORT MOVE AFTER CHILD SEX OFFENCES
In a case that has sparked public outrage, Daniel Chant, a convicted sex offender residing in Worcester, was sentenced to prison after failing to notify authorities of his change of address.Chant, who has a history of sexual offences involving minors, had lived in Worcester for a period of six months without informing the police of his new residence, a breach of the strict conditions imposed upon him as a registered sex offender.
Chant’s criminal record includes five separate offences of sexual activity with a child, for which he was convicted and subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
His previous convictions date back to 2007, when he received a 42-month jail sentence at Southampton Crown Court.
Despite these serious convictions, Chant moved to Worcester and remained there for half a year without updating the authorities about his whereabouts.
The incident came to light during a routine police visit.
On June 17, 2020, Detective Constable Holloway conducted a check at Chant’s registered address.
The occupant at that time informed the officer that Chant had moved out on January 24, 2020, approximately six months earlier.
This revelation prompted further investigation, which confirmed that Chant had relocated to a new address on Richmond Road in Worcester.
Police were finally able to update their records to reflect his current residence.
Prosecutor Jason Aris highlighted the seriousness of Chant’s repeated non-compliance.
He pointed out that this was Chant’s fourth failure to adhere to the notification requirements, with previous offences on July 28, 2016, and November 6, 2017, where he again failed to inform police of his change of address.
The prosecutor emphasized that Chant’s deliberate neglect to comply with the law demonstrated a blatant disregard for the conditions set by the court.
During the hearing, Chant’s defense solicitor, Nicole Steers, explained that the offender’s failure to notify authorities was not entirely deliberate but was influenced by recent personal circumstances.
She detailed that Chant and his family, including six children, had been living in Southampton but were evicted from their home following a dispute with their landlord.
The family had to find alternative accommodation on very short notice, which led them to Worcester, where Chant’s partner’s family resided.
Steers further explained that the chaos and stress of the move, coupled with Chant’s struggles with anxiety, caused him to forget about the legal obligation to inform police of his new address.
She also highlighted that Chant had recently lost his job during the COVID-19 lockdown, which placed additional financial strain on his family.
His partner had been supporting them financially, and the disruption caused by the move and the eviction had added to their difficulties.
In a heartfelt letter read aloud in court, Chant’s partner expressed the emotional toll of their situation, describing it as a “cry from the heart.” The judge, James Burbridge, acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized the importance of compliance with the law, especially given Chant’s history and the nature of his previous offences.
Sentencing Chant to 36 weeks in prison, Judge Burbridge stated, “There is understandable public disquiet about the movements and residence of people who have committed offences on children.
You have taken a cavalier approach to the orders of the court.
You are a 40-year-old man with considerable responsibilities.
The jail sentence will cause significant family problems, but the public would demand I lock you up.” Throughout the proceedings, Chant showed no visible emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence, underscoring the gravity of his breach and the court’s stance on such violations of legal obligations by sex offenders.
