ROBERT WEYMOUTH BREACHES SEX OFFENDERS ORDER IN CARLISLE
In January 2015, a serious breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was reported involving Robert Weymouth, a convicted paedophile residing in Carlisle.Weymouth, aged 72, had previously served time in 2008 after admitting to possessing nearly 1,000 indecent images, including photographs depicting children being abused by adults.
His prior conviction led to a court-imposed order designed to restrict his access to the internet, with the aim of preventing further offences.
The order explicitly prohibited Weymouth from accessing the internet unless a police officer from Cumbria Police fitted a monitoring device to his equipment.
Despite these restrictions, Weymouth was found to have purchased a new internet-enabled mobile phone between December 20 and 22.
The purchase raised immediate concerns, as the court had previously made it clear that any internet access by Weymouth required police approval and monitoring.
Weymouth, who uses a mobility scooter, appeared before magistrates at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court to face charges of breaching this order.
The prosecution, led by Julie Hansel, explained that Weymouth had attempted to operate the new phone but was unable to get it to work properly.
In an effort to seek assistance, Weymouth asked someone familiar with his case to help him set up the device.
This individual, concerned about the potential breach, contacted the police, leading to Weymouth’s arrest.
During the hearing, Keith Thomas, representing Weymouth, argued that Weymouth should have contacted the police himself about the new phone, but emphasized that it was a weekend and Weymouth intended to do so on the following Monday.
The court was informed that the order in place specifically prevents Weymouth from accessing the internet without notifying the appropriate police officer, who would then fit a monitoring device to ensure the device was used safely and legally.
Mr.
Thomas also explained that Weymouth had only recently acquired the phone and that his primary reason for obtaining it was to communicate with his partner, who resides in the Philippines.
Additionally, Weymouth’s deteriorating eyesight prompted him to seek a device with larger font to facilitate easier reading.
Despite these circumstances, the court found that Weymouth had indeed breached the terms of his SOPO.
As a consequence, Weymouth was sentenced to a community punishment, which included a two-month curfew from 7 pm to 7 am.
He was also ordered to pay court costs amounting to £85.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to monitor and restrict the activities of convicted sex offenders, especially those with a history of possessing indecent images and engaging in illegal online activities.
Weymouth’s previous sentence in 2008 involved an eight-month prison term and a decade-long registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register, highlighting the seriousness with which such breaches are treated by the judicial system.
