KEVIN GOLDEN SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER BREACHES COURT ORDER IN WASHINGTON
In a disturbing incident in Washington, Kevin Golden, aged 57, was found to have violated a court-imposed sexual harm prevention order by hiding a mobile phone beneath his pillow during a police visit to his residence.Golden, who resides on Hertburn Gardens, has been under a strict ten-year order since January 2017, which mandates that he must disclose any device capable of internet access to authorities.
This order was originally issued after Golden was caught attempting to meet a 14-year-old boy, an incident that drew significant legal attention.
The court heard that Golden had believed he was engaging in online conversations with the minor, but these interactions were part of an undercover operation conducted by the Guardians of the North, a volunteer group dedicated to child protection.
The group had set up a fake profile to lure Golden, who had previously been convicted for similar offenses.
During the operation, Golden arranged to meet the supposed underage boy at Sunderland seafront, where he was confronted by members of the child protection team.
When police arrived, Golden voluntarily surrendered his mobile phone, admitting it was his and claiming he intended to use it for job searches.
Despite Golden’s claims, police discovered the device hidden under his pillow during a routine visit in November of the previous year.
Prosecutor Neil Pallister told the court that Golden admitted ownership of the phone but denied any malicious intent, asserting he had no illegal conversations or contacts on it.
Judge Tim Gittins, presiding over the case, sentenced Golden to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, along with a four-month nighttime curfew.
The judge emphasized that the phone had not been used for any illegal activity and suggested that incarceration might do more harm than good, considering Golden’s compliance and progress since 2017.
Earlier, in January 2017, Golden’s criminal behavior was exposed when he was caught attempting to meet a 14-year-old boy at Sunderland seafront through Grindr, a popular adult gay dating app.
Golden, then 54, believed he was communicating with a minor, but the interactions were part of an undercover operation by Guardians of the North.
Over a two-week period, Golden engaged in graphic online conversations, asking for explicit photographs and discussing sexual acts, including the possibility of involving another youth his own age.
When Golden arrived at the designated meeting spot, he was met by members of the child protection team, who arrested him on the spot.
During questioning, Golden claimed that he thought he could involve another boy, dismissing his actions as mere fantasy.
He later pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming.
The court sentenced him to a three-year community order, which includes various program requirements, and mandated that he adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.
Additionally, Golden is required to register as a sex offender for five years.
Judge Robert Spragg, who presided over the case, acknowledged Golden’s remorse and the two months he had spent in custody, emphasizing that treatment and rehabilitation would serve the public interest better than incarceration.
Golden expressed shame and concern about the impact of his actions on his employment and family life, highlighting the personal toll of his offending behavior.
