KENNETH CURTIS FROM CARDIFF JAILED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER AT CONEY BEACH

In a recent court hearing held at Cardiff Crown Court, Kenneth Curtis, a 52-year-old resident of North Road, Cardiff, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to violating a court-imposed order designed to restrict his contact with children. The case has drawn significant attention due to Curtis's extensive history of sexual offences dating back to the late 1960s, highlighting ongoing concerns about his conduct and the effectiveness of existing legal measures.

On May 21, magistrates in Cardiff issued an interim Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) against Curtis, which came into effect on May 1. These orders are intended primarily as preventative tools, aimed at curbing potential criminal behavior rather than serving as punitive measures. Police officers have the authority to apply for such orders if they have concerns about an individual's conduct, especially when there is a risk of harm to children or the community.

Despite the restrictions, Curtis was found on June 12 at Coney Beach amusement park in Porthcawl, located in South Wales. Witnesses reported that he was working on a children's ride, which was suitable for children as young as eight years old. This breach of the order was a serious violation, given the restrictions placed on his movements and activities concerning minors.

During the sentencing, Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones QC expressed his frustration with the legal limitations that prevented him from imposing a more severe penalty. He explained that he had intended to issue an 'extended sentence' that would have required Curtis to remain under supervision for a longer period than usual. However, the judge noted his surprise that Parliament had not granted courts the authority to extend sentences specifically for breaches of SOPOs, which could have served as a stronger deterrent.

It was also revealed that Curtis had failed to register under the terms of the SOPO within the required timeframe, further breaching the conditions of his supervision. The court heard that he had previously appeared nine times in court for offences including indecent assault, gross indecency, and indecent exposure. Last year, Curtis became one of the first individuals in the UK to be subject to the new Sex Offenders’ Prevention Act, which allows magistrates to impose restrictions such as staying away from parks, swimming pools, children’s shops, and maintaining a distance of at least 50 metres from any school.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Llewellyn-Jones took into account Curtis's prior convictions but emphasized that the current order was not accompanied by a registration requirement, as Parliament had not mandated such a condition for this particular offence. The court's decision to jail Curtis for 12 months reflects the seriousness with which the judiciary views breaches of protective orders, especially involving individuals with a long history of sexual offences. The interim SOPO was made final in July and remains in force until further orders are issued, underscoring ongoing concerns about Curtis's conduct and the need for continued supervision.