MARK BUCKLEY FROM WINSFORD JAILED FOR BREACHING SEXUAL HARM ORDER IN CHESTER

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to protect the public from sex offenders, Mark Buckley, a resident of Winsford, has been sentenced to prison after violating the terms of a sexual harm prevention order. The incident underscores the importance of strict enforcement of such orders and highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in monitoring offenders.

Mark Buckley, aged 47 and residing on East Dudley Street in Winsford, was taken into custody and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison. The charges stemmed from his actions in July of this year, less than a year after he was given a suspended prison sentence at Chester Crown Court. The breaches involved deleting internet browsing history and failing to register electronic devices with the police, which are clear violations of the conditions set forth in his sexual harm prevention order.

To provide context, Buckley had previously been subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order following a series of serious offenses. In August of the previous year, he was convicted of inciting a young teenager to engage in sexual activity and downloading indecent images of children. Despite the gravity of these crimes, Buckley was spared immediate imprisonment, receiving instead an 18-month jail sentence that was suspended for two years. This leniency was granted despite his guilty pleas, which included inciting a minor and possessing illegal images.

As part of the conditions attached to his order, Buckley was required to register any new electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, with the police. However, in July, authorities discovered that he had failed to comply with this requirement. A laptop and mobile phone found in his possession were not registered, raising suspicions that he was attempting to conceal or avoid monitoring his online activity.

These violations prompted a court hearing on Tuesday, August 16, where Buckley pleaded guilty to three breaches of the sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, he admitted to breaching the terms of his suspended sentence order. The court proceedings revealed that Buckley's actions constituted a serious breach of the conditions designed to prevent him from reoffending and to safeguard the community.

In sentencing, the judge imposed six-month prison terms for each of the three breaches. One of these sentences will run consecutively with his existing 18-month suspended sentence, effectively increasing his total time behind bars. The remaining two breaches will be served concurrently, resulting in a total prison term of two years. Despite the imprisonment, the 10-year sexual harm prevention order remains in effect, continuing to restrict Buckley's activities and monitor his behavior.

Furthermore, the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the electronic devices found in Buckley's possession, including his laptop and mobile phone. This measure aims to prevent any further misuse of technology that could facilitate offending behavior. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the judiciary to enforce protective orders and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.