MATHEW DENISON'S CRIMES IN TANG HALL: YORK SEX OFFENDER'S REIGN OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY

In September 2018, a concerning case unfolded involving a convicted sex offender from Tang Hall, York, whose ongoing activities prompted a family to take matters into their own hands in an effort to prevent further harm and keep him away from jail. Despite the intervention of various authorities, including the probation service, police supervision, and court orders, the individual, identified as Mathew Denison, continued to commit additional offenses, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing measures.

During a hearing at York Crown Court, it was revealed that Denison had taken deliberate steps to conceal his online activities. Prosecutor Geraldine Kelly explained that Denison had installed specialized software on one of his mobile phones, designed specifically to hide his internet usage. When police confiscated that device, he quickly acquired another phone, which he also equipped with the same software. Further investigation uncovered that Denison had downloaded more indecent images, indicating a pattern of ongoing illegal activity.

The court was informed that Denison, aged 52 and residing at St Aelred’s Close, Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, had a history of sexual offenses. In May 2016, he was convicted of downloading indecent images of children and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and a community order with probation supervision. Despite these measures, he continued to offend.

Medical reports presented during the hearing highlighted that Denison has mild to moderate autism, a factor considered by the judge when determining his sentence. As part of the court’s decision, a 13-month prison sentence was suspended for two years, contingent upon his participation in a rehabilitation program lasting 31 days. Additionally, the court imposed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, granting police authority to monitor any internet access Denison might have. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years.

Details of his recent offenses were particularly troubling. During a routine police inspection on May 10, 2017, officers discovered a small number of indecent images depicting girls aged between six and eight on his first mobile device. Denison admitted to relapsing during this encounter. Subsequently, during a follow-up visit on June 14, 2017, police found a second mobile phone in his possession, which also contained illicit material. These findings underscored the ongoing nature of his offending despite previous legal restrictions and supervision.

Overall, the case of Mathew Denison highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and controlling individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially when they actively attempt to evade detection through technological means. The court’s measures aim to prevent further harm, but the case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight and the need for effective rehabilitation strategies.