GEORGE CALF'S REPEATED BREACHES IN HACKNEY LEAD TO JAIL TIME OVER CHILDREN'S TOYS

In June 2017, the case of George Calf, a convicted sex offender residing in Hackney, took a troubling turn once again, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of legal restrictions placed on him. Calf, aged 71, was found to be in breach of a court-ordered sexual harm prevention order, which specifically prohibited him from possessing children’s toys, among other restrictions. This order was initially put in place in March following his conviction for sexually assaulting a child under 14 during the 1980s, a crime for which he was found guilty in 2009.

On June 12, police officers executed a search at Calf’s residence located on Mabley Street in South Hackney. During the search, they discovered a box containing various children’s toys, including a Buzz Lightyear action figure, a remote-controlled helicopter, and a clown puppet. The presence of these items was particularly alarming given the restrictions imposed on him. This discovery marked the third time Calf had been caught breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order.

Calf’s previous breaches involved complaints he made to police and the media about the theft of one of his six dogs, which he claimed was stolen on May 16. During police visits to his home to take statements regarding the theft, officers found another dog present at the property. These breaches resulted in Calf receiving an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Thames Magistrates Court on May 16.

However, the recent discovery of children’s toys in his home led to a more severe penalty. On the Monday following the search, Calf was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison for breaching the court order once again. The sentencing underscored the seriousness with which the judicial system views repeated violations of protective orders meant to safeguard children and the community.

Local residents expressed their concerns about Calf’s presence in the neighborhood. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her discomfort, stating, “I feel very uncomfortable seeing him.” She recounted how she learned of Calf’s past as a sex offender after he “suddenly disappeared” following a period of imprisonment. She expressed fears that if Calf were to move elsewhere, he might have more opportunities to target vulnerable children.

The neighbor also recounted a bizarre incident shortly after she moved into the area, where police were called because Calf was allegedly cremating one of his deceased Chihuahuas in an oil can in his backyard. She described the smell as “indescribable,” explaining that Calf had placed wood and petrol at the bottom of the can and set it on fire, which resulted in a foul odor permeating the neighborhood. She further noted her perception of Calf as a distant and unfriendly individual.

During the court proceedings in May, Calf’s legal representative argued that the loss of his dogs had significantly impacted his mental health. A letter from his general practitioner was presented, indicating that he was on medication and receiving counseling due to the emotional toll of losing his pets. Despite these claims, the court emphasized the importance of enforcing the restrictions designed to protect the public from individuals like Calf.

Jan Lamping, deputy chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, commented on the case, stating, “Sexual harm prevention orders are an effective way of protecting the public from serious sexual harm. In this case, George Calf was ordered not to possess any children’s toys, which he was in breach of when police found toys in his home. Where orders are breached, the CPS will use its powers to prosecute and ensure offenders are brought back to court to uphold these restrictions.”