DYLON RAM FROM GREAT HARWOOD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER BREACHING COURT ORDER AGAINST MINORS

In a case that has raised serious concerns about the enforcement of court restrictions on sex offenders, Dylan Ram, a resident of Walmsley Street in Great Harwood, has once again avoided imprisonment despite violating a court order designed to protect minors.

Back in October 2016, Ram, then 19 years old, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a young girl, which led to him being sentenced to a period of detention. However, this was not the end of his legal troubles. As part of his sentence, Ram was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), a legal measure intended to prevent him from having any contact or communication with girls under the age of 16 unless specific strict conditions were met. These conditions included obtaining explicit permission from the child's parent or guardian, who must be aware of Ram’s conviction, and approval from social services.

Despite these safeguards, Ram was found to have breached the order on two separate occasions. Prosecutor David Clarke outlined to Preston Crown Court that Ram had engaged in contact with a teenage girl via his mobile phone, which was a direct violation of the court’s restrictions. The breaches were uncovered during a routine compliance check conducted by officers in November 2017. The officers discovered that, merely two months after the court’s order was issued, Ram had been communicating with a minor through text messages and social media platforms.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Ram had sent messages asking the girl if she wanted to meet up and watch a film together. Additionally, he had made arrangements to meet her in Accrington, further demonstrating his disregard for the court’s prohibitions. When questioned, the girl was described as being completely unaware of Ram’s conviction and the restrictions imposed upon him, highlighting the potential danger posed by his actions.

Further investigation uncovered a photograph on Ram’s mobile device showing him with a young child. Disturbingly, the parents of this child were also unaware of the terms of Ram’s court order, raising concerns about the potential risk to other minors.

In light of these breaches, Ram pleaded guilty to two counts of violating his court order and breaching his previously suspended sentence. The court sentenced him to four months in jail, but this was suspended for 18 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. The court also imposed additional requirements, including a ten-day rehabilitation activity, 40 hours of unpaid community service, and a mandate to complete a sex offender treatment programme.

Judge John Smith emphasized the importance of strict compliance with such orders, stating that breaches undermine public confidence in the justice system’s ability to protect vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring sex offenders and ensuring they adhere to court-imposed restrictions, especially in communities like Great Harwood where such incidents can cause significant concern among residents.