GARY HOPWOOD FROM MIDDLESBROUGH JAILED FOR REPEATED COURT ORDER BREACHES

In a significant legal development, Gary Hopwood, a resident of Middlesbrough, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple violations of court-imposed orders aimed at safeguarding the public from potential harm. The court heard that Hopwood, a known sex offender, had deliberately disregarded restrictions placed upon him, including failing to disclose his current residence to authorities and visiting a refuge where children were present, despite explicit bans on contact with individuals under the age of 18.

These breaches occurred within a span of just two weeks, highlighting a pattern of non-compliance. The incidents took place approximately a year after Hopwood had previously received a conditional discharge for failing to inform the police of his whereabouts. Additionally, last year, he was subjected to a two-year community penalty after breaching his sexual offences prevention order on four separate occasions, further emphasizing ongoing issues with adherence to legal restrictions.

Rachel Dyson, representing Hopwood during the hearing, noted that since the summer incidents, he had managed to overcome a heroin addiction. However, she also revealed that he had recently started using cocaine and had secured employment as a plasterer, indicating efforts toward rehabilitation despite his legal troubles.

Hopwood, who was formerly residing on Grassington Road in Middlesbrough, is registered as a sex offender and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order following a conviction in 2005 for indecent assault. His criminal record and the restrictions placed upon him underscore the seriousness of his breaches.

At a magistrates’ court hearing last month, Hopwood admitted to multiple violations, including breaching the sexual offences prevention order, failing to comply with notification requirements, theft, and possessing an item intended for use in a fraud.

Further details emerged during a hearing at Teesside Crown Court, where it was revealed that Hopwood had stolen a video game controller from a residence on June 21. The court also learned that he was involved in a scam on April 15, during which he was caught with a bag containing labels taken from genuine retail products. Prosecutors indicated that Hopwood had planned to affix these labels onto used goods, thereby making them appear new and potentially deceiving consumers.

The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and managing individuals with a history of sexual offences, especially those who continue to breach legal restrictions designed to protect the community.