JOHN HORTON FROM CHARD SENTENCED IN COURT FOR VIOLATING BANNING ORDER IN REED CLOSE

In July 2010, a serious incident unfolded involving John Horton, a known sex offender, who was detained and sentenced for defying a court order that restricted his presence in his former residence located in Reed Close, Chard. The court had previously issued an Antisocial Behaviour Injunction against Horton during a hearing held in September of the previous year, explicitly prohibiting him from returning to the property he once shared with his partner and children. This order was set to remain in effect until September 14, 2014, aiming to prevent any contact or presence of Horton in that area.

Despite the clear legal restrictions, Horton was reportedly seen multiple times within the estate, prompting residents and authorities to take action. Last week, a spokesperson from Yeovil County Court confirmed that Horton was sentenced to 21 days in jail for breaching the court-mandated injunction. The arrest and subsequent imprisonment followed numerous sightings of Horton in Reed Close, which residents claimed was an act of intimidation and harassment. The local community, in collaboration with Knightstone Housing Association, initiated legal proceedings against Horton, citing his aggressive behavior, threats, and acts of violence directed at neighbors. Additionally, residents accused him of using other people's property for car repairs, further escalating tensions within the neighborhood.

Mark Beard, the director of operations at Knightstone Housing, stated, “We attended court last week and can confirm that John Horton has been given an immediate 21 days custodial sentence for breaching the terms of his injunction. We will continue to liaise closely with the police and other authorities making sure that all available powers are used to manage this case.”

Horton’s criminal history is extensive, including convictions for indecent assault on a girl under 16, along with charges of robbery, kidnapping, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. His previous incarceration in 2008 was the result of breaching bail conditions related to an incident involving a female minor.

Horton has publicly claimed that the residents are conducting a “witch hunt” against him, asserting that their desire to keep him away stems solely from the stigma attached to his past convictions. His legal team argued that he did not pose the threat that neighbors claimed, but Judge Brian Smith was unconvinced by these assertions. In his ruling, the judge emphasized the potential danger Horton posed, stating, “A significant risk of harm would be presented to your neighbors if you return. There is peace and calm in Reed Close. All the residents are happy now and quite clearly the defendant’s return would very seriously affect the sense of well-being. Through numerous breaches of orders he has already demonstrated he will do what he likes and I have no doubt he will continue to do so if allowed back to Reed Close.”

Following the sentencing, a resident expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “I thank the judge for seeing this case through. So many more in Reed Close wanted to give evidence but were scared of him. Some of us stood together and fought back to stop this convicted dangerous paedophile.” The police, represented by a spokesman from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, declined to comment on the court proceedings or the case itself.