PATRICK CUNNINGTON FROM EAST WICHEL SENTENCED TO 10 MONTHS FOR REPEATEDLY BREACHING SEXUAL RISK ORDER

In March 2019, Patrick Cunnington, a man residing in East Wichel, was sentenced to a 10-month prison term after being found guilty of multiple breaches of a sexual risk order designed to safeguard children. Despite never having been convicted of a sex offence, Cunnington was placed under this order in the summer of the previous year due to concerns raised by law enforcement officials about the potential danger he posed.

District Judge Simon Cooper had previously described the 22-year-old as an uncontrolled risk at the time of the order's imposition. Nevertheless, Cunnington repeatedly violated its conditions, continuing to contact minors despite explicit bans. He also possessed internet-enabled devices that he was prohibited from having, further demonstrating his disregard for the restrictions meant to protect vulnerable children.

Judge Robert Pawson, presiding over the case at Swindon Crown Court, emphasized that this was Cunnington’s final opportunity to comply with the court’s directives. The judge warned that future sentences for similar breaches would be measured in years rather than months, signaling the seriousness with which the court viewed his repeated violations.

Prosecutor Tessa Hingston explained that an interim order had been issued in November 2017, followed by a comprehensive five-year civil order obtained in July of the previous year at Swindon magistrates’ court. This order was the result of police investigations into allegations that Cunnington had threatened girls aged 13 to 15, coercing them to send him indecent images—a claim he denies. The order explicitly prohibited him from contacting anyone under the age of 16 and from possessing devices capable of internet access or image storage.

Hingston further detailed that Cunnington had a history of moving residences frequently, often living with friends and family, and at times claiming to have no fixed address without informing authorities. He maintained regular contact with two young boys, which caused significant concern among their parents, especially in at least one case. The court was told that the defendant was responsible for ceasing this contact, but he failed to do so.

During his arrest, officers discovered four devices in his possession, including a smartphone and a Kindle, both of which he was explicitly forbidden from possessing under the terms of the order. Cunnington, who provided a care-of address on Stonehenge Road, East Wichel, admitted to breaching the sexual risk order.

In sentencing, Judge Pawson clarified that there was no evidence to suggest Cunnington had a sexual interest in the boys he contacted. However, the court was deeply concerned about the risk he posed to underage girls, emphasizing that the court orders are mandatory and serve a vital protective function. The judge stated, “These court orders are not optional. They are there for a reason. They are there because you pose a risk.”

He highlighted that the pre-sentence report indicated Cunnington posed a high risk to female children and accused him of showing a “blatant and persistent disregard” for the law through his ongoing non-compliance. The judge warned that this would be the last time he would impose a sentence measured in months, making it clear that any future breaches would result in significantly longer sentences. “If you breach this order again,” he said, “the judge will view it as you deliberately flouting the system designed to protect children.”