JOHN MILBURN FROM COCKERMOUTH SUBJECT TO FIRST-EVER SEX OFFENDERS ORDER IN CUMBRIA

In a landmark decision within Cumbria, magistrates have imposed the county's very first Sex Offenders Order on an individual who has not been formally charged with any criminal offense. The individual in question is John Simon Milburn, aged 39, a resident of the Cockermouth area. This unprecedented legal measure was enacted following concerns raised by local police authorities regarding Mr. Milburn's activities, which prompted them to take precautionary steps despite the absence of any formal charges.

As part of the order, Mr. Milburn has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register and ordered to pay costs amounting to £3,000. The primary purpose of this order is to impose restrictions on his movements and interactions, specifically targeting the prevention of potential offenses. It is designed to restrict individuals who, based on police assessment, could pose a risk of offending, especially in relation to children.

Police officials from Cumbria expressed their concerns about Mr. Milburn's behavior, which led to the implementation of this order. Notably, even though he has not been charged with any criminal activity, authorities believed he posed a significant risk to children. The decision was influenced by an incident that occurred last summer at a swimming baths, which brought Mr. Milburn's activities under scrutiny.

Under the terms of the order, Mr. Milburn is prohibited from having unsupervised access to children under the age of 16 outside of his immediate family. This restriction aims to safeguard minors from potential harm and to prevent any opportunity for offending behavior.

During the court hearing in Workington, magistrates learned that Mr. Milburn had a prior caution for an indecent assault on a young boy in 1988. However, he was never formally charged or prosecuted for that incident. Police reports indicate that concerns about Mr. Milburn's behavior resurfaced in July 2002, prompting further investigation.

The court was also informed that Mr. Milburn had been seeking involvement with various organizations, but he had not disclosed his previous police caution during these applications. This omission raised additional concerns among authorities about his suitability for certain roles or activities involving children.

Mr. Milburn accepted the terms of the order, which was issued under the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act. The decision reflects a cautious approach by the legal system to prevent potential harm, even in the absence of formal charges, based on the perceived risk to public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals.