IAN STRICKLAND FROM BARROW CAUGHT IN SEX OFFENDER BREACH AT PRESTON CROWN COURT
In a serious development in ongoing efforts to monitor and control convicted sex offenders, Ian William Strickland, a resident of Barrow, faced court proceedings after breaching a court order designed to prevent him from reoffending.The breach, which marks his third violation of such an order, was brought to light during a hearing at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court, where Strickland admitted to the charges against him.
Strickland, aged 45, was found to be in possession of a mobile phone capable of internet access on June 8, a device he had failed to disclose to his offender management team.
This omission constituted a clear breach of the sexual harm prevention order issued in 2019, following his previous convictions for child sex offences.
The court was informed that this was not an isolated incident, but rather the third time he had violated the restrictions placed upon him.
The magistrates, after hearing the evidence, decided to remand Strickland into custody until his next appearance at Preston Crown Court, where he is scheduled to be sentenced.
The decision was influenced by their substantial concern that he might commit further offences if granted bail.
The court also took into account his history of repeated breaches of court orders, emphasizing the seriousness of his violations.
Strickland, who resides on Lesh Lane in Barrow, is set to appear before the Crown Court on August 9 for sentencing.
The original order was imposed in May 2019 after Strickland attempted to groom three children through the popular video game Call of Duty.
His actions came to light when Microsoft provided details of his online activity to the police, revealing disturbing conversations with minors.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Strickland was engaged in sexual conversations with two 12-year-old girls and a 13-year-old boy while playing the Infinite Warfare edition of Xbox.
Preston Crown Court heard that he had been communicating with one girl almost daily from February to April 2018, complimenting her appearance and expressing admiration, despite her disclosing that she was bullied at school for having autism.
The girl described the messages as “kind of weird,” especially considering Strickland pretended to be 18 when messaging her.
Between March and April of that year, Strickland targeted another 12-year-old girl, promising her massages and inquiring about her body.
He told her, “If you come here it will be just you and me, babe,” indicating a desire to meet in person.
His third victim was a 13-year-old boy, whom he invited to visit him, suggesting, “Maybe you can come to my B&B room rather than going to school.” The boy’s brother confronted Strickland online, prompting police to investigate further.
Further digital evidence revealed that Strickland had also attempted to engage in sexual activity with the children, with audio files capturing a 13-year-old boy telling him “No” in response to his advances.
Police seized his mobile phone, discovering seven indecent images of children of South East Asian descent, which had been sent to him by their mothers, hinting at a broader network of exploitation.
Strickland pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making indecent images and attempting to engage in sexual communication with minors.
His defense argued that these offences occurred before his previous 18-month jail sentence, which was handed down after he was caught by paedophile hunters Dark Light in 2018.
That incident involved him playing Xbox and initiating sexual conversations with minors, which led to his initial imprisonment.
Following his release in February 2019, Strickland was subject to strict conditions, including informing authorities of any device capable of internet access.
Despite this, he breached the order by contacting a child, an act that was uncovered when the child’s mother reported that Strickland had instructed her son to keep their meeting secret.
Judge Graham Knowles, presiding over the case, expressed concern over the extent of Strickland’s offending, noting that Microsoft had contacted police shortly after his sentencing to report his use of Xbox for offensive conversations.
The judge highlighted that Strickland’s actions demonstrated a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexual interest in children of both genders.
In his sentencing, Judge Knowles emphasized the importance of treatment and rehabilitation, opting to suspend a 12-month prison sentence for two years, with the recommendation that Strickland participate in a program designed to address his perverted sexual interests.
The judge stated, “You need to accept, because nobody else can, that you obviously have a perverted sexual interest in children.
There are people who can help you to understand and come to terms with that, and find ways to turn you from acting on this interest and towards doing something which keeps you out of prison.” In a related case from April 2019, Strickland admitted to further offences after being released from jail, including attempting to meet children and engaging in sexual communication.
His name will remain on the sex offenders register for ten years, matching the duration of his sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that he had also attempted to contact multiple minors through online platforms, with evidence of indecent images of children of South East Asian descent sent to him by their mothers.
Throughout these proceedings, Strickland’s case has underscored the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and judicial authorities in managing and rehabilitating sex offenders, especially those with a history of breaches and repeated violations of court orders.
His case continues to be a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and strict enforcement of measures designed to protect children from predatory individuals like him.
