NEWTON AYCLIFFE SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR HIDING SECRET PHONE UNDER MUM'S MATTRESS

A sex offender named Michael Bradshaw has been sentenced to 23 months in prison after he was found to be in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed in October of the previous year. The court heard that Bradshaw had secretly hidden a mobile phone under his mum's mattress and had been using it since at least February. When police searched his home, they discovered the device which had its internet history deleted, despite the SHPO requiring him to disclose any new devices capable of internet access to his risk manager. Bradshaw had previously claimed he did not possess a new device, but subsequent investigations proved otherwise.

The court was informed that Bradshaw’s SHPO forbade him from accessing the internet without reporting it, and he was also required to inform his risk manager if he obtained any new devices. It emerged that Bradshaw had been untruthful about owning a new phone, which he kept hidden under the mattress of his mother’s bedroom. He was caught using the phone while on “sniff” and had access to Telegram. The court noted that the internet history on the device had been deleted, indicating deliberate concealment.

Bradshaw admitted to four counts of breaching the SHPO, effectively violating his previous court order. The case revealed that he had not begun a 200-hour unpaid work requirement and had not engaged with a substance abuse course, highlighting unresolved issues related to his background. His lawyer described him as a ‘contradiction’ and attributed his behavior to untreated mental health problems and substance misuse as forms of self-medication.

Judge Nathan Adams emphasized that Bradshaw had been given a chance with the suspended sentence but spurned the opportunity through deliberate breaches. He reiterated that Bradshaw was aware he should not have internet-enabled devices without police approval. The judge sentenced him to 23 months, including 15 months activated of his previous suspended sentence, and reminded that the SHPO remains in force until October 2034. Any further breaches could result in longer sentences.