NEIL THURSBY FROM OXFORD JAILED FOR BREACHING COURT ORDER IN SEX OFFENDER CASE

In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about compliance among sex offenders, Neil Thursby, aged 34, from Oxford, has been sentenced to prison after breaching a court order for the third time. The sequence of events underscores the persistent challenges authorities face in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on individuals convicted of possessing indecent images.

Thursby’s initial conviction dates back to December 2016, when he was found in possession of child abuse images. As part of his punishment, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order designed to restrict his activities and prevent further offenses. Despite this, he continued to breach the terms of this order, leading to subsequent legal actions.

Most recently, in February of this year, Thursby was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of two breaches of the same order. However, it was later revealed that he had committed a third breach, which resulted in the latest court hearing at Oxford Crown Court. During this hearing, prosecutors provided details of Thursby’s activities while living in shared accommodation on Magdalen Road, Oxford.

According to court reports, Thursby used a housemate’s internet-enabled laptop to access what he claimed was legal adult pornography. This action, taken without informing the authorities or obtaining proper authorization, constituted a violation of his existing sexual harm prevention order. The breach was considered serious enough to warrant additional sentencing.

Judge Ian Pringle QC presided over the case and delivered the sentence. He ordered that Thursby serve eight months in prison for the breach, but clarified that this sentence would run concurrently with his existing sentence, meaning it would not extend his time behind bars beyond the original 15 months. Additionally, Thursby was ordered to pay a victim surcharge, and the sexual harm prevention order remains in effect indefinitely, continuing to restrict his activities and access to certain materials.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and judicial authorities to monitor and control individuals with a history of sexual offenses, emphasizing the importance of compliance with court orders designed to protect the public.