JASON RICHARDS FROM ACCRINGTON JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE AND INTERNET OFFENSES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Accrington, Jason Richards, a man with a troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his recent offenses involving child sexual assault and illegal internet activity.

Richards, who resides on Lydia Street in Accrington, was convicted of serious crimes including rape and child sexual assault. He was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released on parole on May 20 of this year. Just two days after his release, authorities uncovered further alarming behavior involving his use of online platforms.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Evans detailed that Richards had begun using adult dating websites under multiple aliases, with a total of nine different usernames or pseudonyms. These activities took place shortly after his release, raising concerns about his compliance with legal obligations. The Preston Crown Court was informed that Richards failed to notify the police within the required three-day window about his change of online identities, which is a legal requirement for convicted sex offenders.

On May 29, police officers conducted a search of Richards' phone, uncovering a significant amount of internet history that alarmed investigators. The data revealed that Richards had been actively searching for pornography videos, including content that involved incest, which is highly illegal and morally reprehensible. The police found this evidence during their investigation into his online activities.

Richards, who has a total of four convictions and a history of ten previous offenses, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements mandated by law. His defense lawyer, David Farley, explained that Richards had been recalled to prison on his license, meaning he was back behind bars for violating the terms of his release. The lawyer also noted that Richards would serve an additional 15 months in custody.

Judge Kate Bex QC presided over the case and sentenced Richards to four weeks in prison, a sentence to run concurrently with his recall to prison. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of his violations and the ongoing concerns about his conduct following his initial release from incarceration.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring convicted sex offenders and the importance of strict compliance with legal requirements designed to protect the community, especially vulnerable children. The community of Accrington remains watchful as this troubling case continues to unfold.