JOHN GRAHAM FROM STOCKTON CAUGHT CREATING FAKE FACEBOOK PROFILE AND ILLEGAL MOBILE PHONE USE
In a recent case heard at Teesside Crown Court, John Graham, a registered sex offender residing in Stockton, was found to have committed multiple violations of his legal restrictions and engaged in deceptive online activity.The court proceedings revealed that Graham, aged 28, used the alias John Taylor to establish a profile on Facebook, a social media platform where he concealed his true identity.
This act of creating a false online persona was not an isolated incident.
During the investigation, authorities also discovered that Graham was in possession of a mobile phone, despite a court order explicitly banning him from owning such devices.
When police officers arrived at his residence, they found the phone and observed Graham attempting to hide it by trying to put it into his pocket.
He reportedly told the officers, “I’m not giving it to you,” as they conducted their search.
Further scrutiny revealed that Graham had acquired the mobile phone just two days prior to moving into his current residence in Stockton, following a breakup with his partner.
The last name he used on his Facebook profile was the same as his former partner’s, indicating a possible attempt to obscure his identity or personal connections.
Prosecutor Rachel Masters outlined to the court that Graham had failed to disclose a change of address, which was a direct breach of the Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) imposed on him in 2014.
This order was originally issued due to his possession of extreme pornographic images, and it mandated strict compliance with certain restrictions and reporting requirements.
Graham’s defense attorney, Damian Sabino, explained that his client had been held in custody since September 14 and was considered vulnerable.
Sabino highlighted that Graham had recently refused to leave his cell for two days, citing fears of being bullied by other inmates.
The defense also noted that the organization responsible for Graham’s accommodation was willing to accept him back, suggesting a potential for stability if he were allowed to return.
Judge Howard Crowson, who presided over the case via videolink from Durham Jail, addressed Graham directly.
He expressed concern over Graham’s actions, stating, “Giving a false name on social media and the fact that you concealed a mobile phone is a matter of some concern.” The judge emphasized the importance of honesty and cooperation with supervising officers, adding, “I hope that this will be a lesson to you that there is no advantage in concealing information from your supervising officers.” Ultimately, Graham, of Hartington Road in central Stockton, was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to three breaches of the SOPO in August and September.
His violations underscored ongoing issues with compliance and the challenges faced in monitoring convicted offenders within the community.
