GUY LAWRENCE FROM STEVENAGE JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SEX OFFENCES IN HITCHIN AND BEYOND

In a series of disturbing criminal proceedings, Guy Lawrence, a man originally from Stevenage and residing in Hitchin, has been sentenced to prison for multiple offences related to child exploitation and possession of illegal images. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child abuse and the dangers posed by individuals who continue to seek out and possess indecent material involving minors.

Lawrence, whose address was listed as Dacre Road in Hitchin at the time of sentencing, appeared before Judge Michael Kay at St Albans Crown Court. The court heard that Lawrence, aged 53, had been found guilty of possessing a tablet device that contained illicit images, in violation of a sexual harm prevention order previously imposed on him. Additionally, he was convicted of failing to notify police of his change of residence, a breach of the Sexual Offences Act.

The prosecution, led by Kevin West, detailed that searches conducted on Lawrence’s tablet revealed he had been actively seeking images of girls aged between 10 and 18, both clothed and unclothed. This evidence was presented during the hearing, which underscored the ongoing nature of his offending behavior.

Lawrence’s criminal history is extensive. In April 2014, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to possessing 369 indecent images of children, along with extreme pornography depicting sexual acts with animals. During that period, while on bail following his initial guilty plea, Lawrence went missing, prompting a police helicopter to be deployed over Stevenage in an effort to locate him. His disappearance was a significant concern, especially given his prior convictions for sex offences.

Further complicating his criminal record, Lawrence was also convicted of possessing a knife during the time he was missing. His latest offences, committed in 2018, involved the possession of a tablet capable of transmitting data and accessing the internet, which he used without the required police-approved risk management software. On August 1 of that year, he pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order and failing to inform authorities of his new address.

The court sentenced Lawrence to 12 months in prison for these breaches, emphasizing the seriousness of his continued violations. His previous convictions include a 12-week sentence for possessing a bladed article, which was to run concurrently with his current term. The cumulative sentences reflect the gravity of his repeated offences involving child exploitation and possession of illegal images.

Lawrence’s criminal activities have spanned several years, with his initial guilty plea in January 2014 for possessing over 300 indecent images of children. The images ranged from Level 1 to Level 5, with the most serious being rated Level 5. He also admitted to possessing extreme pornography involving animals and breaching a sex offender order. His case was scheduled for sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court, but his subsequent disappearance in March 2014 raised concerns about his whereabouts.

Lawrence was described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build, dark brown shaven hair, and a moustache. At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt, dark blue jeans, a dark denim jacket, and black trainers. Authorities issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who had seen him or knew his location to contact Herts police.

His case remains a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offences, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in preventing further harm.