GERARD WILSON'S CRIMES IN ULVERSTON AND CARLISLE: A DISTURBING TALE OF PREDATORY BEHAVIOR AND COURT ORDER VIOLATIONS

In a series of alarming incidents spanning several years, Gerard Wilson, a man originally from Ulverston, has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders designed to protect children from his predatory tendencies. His criminal activities and subsequent breaches of legal restrictions have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement measures.

In June 2022, Wilson, now residing in Carlisle, was found to have violated a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed by Preston Crown Court in 2017. This order was specifically intended to restrict his internet usage and prevent access to online platforms that could facilitate further abuse. The breach was uncovered during a routine police investigation when officers visited Wilson on January 6 of that year, prompted by reports of suspicious internet activity linked to his Lenovo computer.

During the inspection, authorities discovered that Wilson had deliberately deleted his browsing history, covering the period from December 21 of the previous year up to the date of the police visit. More concerning was the fact that he had installed software capable of permanently erasing data, a clear attempt to conceal his online actions. These actions directly contravened the conditions of his previous court order, which mandated strict monitoring of his internet use.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke explained that the police’s findings indicated a deliberate effort by Wilson to evade detection. The court was told that Wilson had now been recalled to prison, where he was expected to remain until at least mid-2024. The case was brought before Recorder Ian Unsworth QC, who highlighted that Wilson had previously been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of child sex offences, including sexual activity with minors. The court’s indefinite SHPO was still in effect, emphasizing the ongoing risk Wilson posed to children.

During the hearing, the judge emphasized the importance of the court’s protective orders, stating, “That order was meant to protect children,” and noted Wilson’s “predatory and paedophile” tendencies. The judge expressed disappointment that Wilson appeared to have learned little from his previous incarceration and had continued to put children at risk. Wilson’s blatant challenge to the authority of the court was viewed as unacceptable.

Wilson was sentenced to an additional ten months in prison for breaching the court order. The judge warned him that any future violations would result in increasingly severe sentences, underscoring the importance of compliance with court-mandated restrictions. At the time of his latest incarceration, Wilson’s address was listed as Urswick Road, Ulverston.

Wilson’s criminal history is extensive. In July 2020, he faced new allegations after being caught flouting his court order just days after being released from prison on licence. Previously, in 2017, Wilson, then aged 64, was sentenced to six years for a range of online child sex offences, including attempting to engage children in sexual activities, making and distributing indecent images, and grooming minors. His offences came to light after he contacted an undercover police officer, believing he was communicating with a child.

Following his arrest, authorities confirmed that Wilson had been ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and adhere to a strict SHPO that prohibited him from possessing any internet-enabled devices without police-approved monitoring software. Despite these restrictions, Wilson was found to have purchased a laptop and a large flat-screen Smart TV from Currys in Carlisle shortly after his release. When police officers visited his bail hostel, they discovered the devices out of their boxes and not fitted with any monitoring software, raising serious concerns about his compliance.

Wilson claimed to officers that he believed he had followed all legal procedures, stating, “I thought I had done everything by the book.” However, he admitted to breaching the SHPO by purchasing the devices and then requesting them back shortly before police arrived. During a court hearing at North and West Cumbria Magistrates’ Court, Wilson pleaded guilty to two breaches of his SHPO. His defense argued that he did not fully understand the implications of his actions and that he was remorseful.

Magistrates subsequently remanded Wilson in custody, with a sentencing hearing scheduled at Carlisle Crown Court next month. The case has garnered significant attention due to Wilson’s history of offending and the repeated breaches of court orders meant to safeguard children. A police detective from Cumbria described Wilson as “a predator who used online chatrooms and social media apps to engage, groom, and sexually assault children,” underscoring the ongoing threat he poses.

Wilson’s criminal activities date back to at least 2013, with his offences coming to light after he contacted an undercover officer, believing he was communicating with a minor. His arrest and subsequent investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of online grooming, sexual exploitation, and possession of indecent images, leading to multiple convictions and lengthy sentences. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant enforcement of court orders and the ongoing risks posed by individuals with a history of child sexual offences.