LELO ROBERTS FROM DERBY FACES JAIL AFTER FLEEING TO SPAIN WITHOUT WARNING
In May 2017, a serious legal case unfolded involving Lelo Roberts, a resident of Derby, who found himself at the center of a court hearing after breaching a court order by traveling abroad without informing the authorities.The incident took place when Roberts, who had previously been subject to a sexual harm prevention order, decided to fly to Alicante, Spain, ostensibly to 'get his head straight' amid personal difficulties, including losing his job and facing eviction from his home.
According to court records, Roberts was under a strict order issued in July 2014, which mandated that he must notify Derbyshire police if he intended to leave the country.
This order was a consequence of his previous conviction for possessing indecent images of children.
Despite this, Roberts failed to comply with the notification requirement, which led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.
The court heard that Roberts left the UK for Alicante, returning to Derby on February 13.
There was some dispute over the exact duration of his stay, with reports indicating he was away for either two or three weeks.
His departure was a clear violation of the terms set out in his sexual harm prevention order, which he was required to adhere to strictly.
Prosecutor Eddy Leonard explained that Roberts's breach was not his first.
The court was informed that he had previously committed a similar offence in July of the previous year, for which he received a conditional discharge.
However, his latest breach, involving his trip to Spain, was considered a serious violation, especially given the court's emphasis on the importance of compliance with such orders.
Roberts, aged 32, pleaded guilty to both breaches.
His defense attorney, Miss Rashid, provided context for his actions, stating that her client had been struggling with depression and emotional distress at the time.
She explained that Roberts had lost his job and was served with an eviction notice, which contributed to his decision to leave the country in an attempt to 'get his head straight.' She acknowledged that he failed to notify the police of his travel plans, which was a breach of the court order.
In sentencing, Recorder Andrew Easteal handed Roberts a six-month jail sentence, suspended for one year, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be at risk if he committed further offences within that period.
Additionally, Roberts was ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid community work as part of his penalty.
Recorder Easteal emphasized the gravity of Roberts's repeated breaches, stating, 'Your behaviour, in twice breaching your order, has put you right on the precipice of going to prison.
These requirements are there for a reason, and you must take them seriously.' He concluded by giving Roberts a final warning, saying, 'I am going to give you the opportunity one final time, one last chance to avoid jail.
Make sure you take it.'
