LEE BARNECUTT FROM GWEK AND EXETER SENT BACK TO PRISON FOR SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION FAILURE

In March 2011, the criminal justice system reaffirmed its stance on the importance of compliance with sex offender regulations by returning Lee Barnecutt, a known offender from Gweek and Exeter, to incarceration. Barnecutt, aged 27, had previously served a three-year sentence following a serious sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl in 2005. His latest legal troubles stemmed from his failure to disclose his current residence to authorities, a breach of the conditions set forth by his sex offender registration and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

The breach marked his second violation of such conditions. According to prosecutor Joss Ticehurst, Barnecutt had gone missing from the register in October of the previous year, rendering his whereabouts unknown until he voluntarily reported to Camborne police station on January 17. This act of reporting was a crucial step in his ongoing legal obligations, which he had previously neglected.

Further context reveals that Barnecutt had been cautioned in May 2008 for breaching his SOPO by living with a woman who had an underage daughter. Additionally, in March 2009, he was sentenced to 120 days in jail for failing to notify authorities of his address. These incidents underscore a pattern of non-compliance and disregard for the legal requirements designed to monitor sex offenders.

During the court proceedings at Truro Crown Court, Terry Eastwood, representing Barnecutt, argued that his client was not a predatory individual but someone who had made a grave mistake. Eastwood explained that Barnecutt had engaged in consensual sexual activity with a girl who claimed to be 16, which he believed at the time. The defence also highlighted the difficulties Barnecutt faced living in Exeter, where he experienced hostility from neighbors, leading him to leave his home and live out of his car temporarily.

It was noted that in October of the previous year, Barnecutt was so overwhelmed by work commitments that he neglected to update his registration details. However, he later reconciled with his father and moved in with him, after which he promptly reported to the police the following day. His employment at the Trelworren estate restaurant was also mentioned; the establishment was aware of his past and supported his efforts to rebuild his life by paying for his college attendance once a week.

Addressing the court, Mr. Eastwood emphasized that a prison sentence could jeopardize all the progress Barnecutt had made, including his employment and education. Despite these pleas, Recorder Brian Lett made it clear that Barnecutt was well aware of his legal obligations. He stated, “You may resent it but the requirement is part of the law and it governs your life to protect the public.” Ultimately, Barnecutt was sentenced to six months in prison for his breach, a decision that underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on compliance with sex offender registration laws and the importance of public safety.