SEAN BLANDFORD FROM HUNGERFORD CONVICTED OF FACEBOOK STALKING AND REPEATED OFFENCES

In January 2022, Sean Blandford, a known sex offender residing in Hungerford, faced a court hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court where he was convicted of breaching a court-ordered restraining order through the use of a fake Facebook account. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of harassment and deception aimed at a woman whom the court had previously protected him from.

According to the prosecution, Megan Hill, Blandford, aged 44, had created a fictitious Facebook profile under the alias 'Robert Bruce' with the intent of contacting and stalking his victim, an adult woman. This woman was under the court’s protection, which explicitly prohibited Blandford from any form of contact. The court heard that Blandford’s online activity involved dropping suggestive hints that hinted at his true identity, prompting the victim to alert police authorities.

Forensic investigations confirmed that the Facebook account was established using electronic devices linked directly to Blandford’s residence. The analysis traced the account back to his home address, which was located in Hungerford. When police officers arrived at his home to question him about the account and the messages, Blandford reportedly responded with a chilling remark: “I’ve been expecting this.” Despite the evidence, Blandford vehemently denied sending any messages to his victim, claiming that the forensic findings must be mistaken. He insisted that he had not been responsible for the messages and expressed a desire to dissociate himself from the individual involved.

During the court proceedings, Blandford challenged the forensic evidence, suggesting that the electronic router associated with his address was different from the one used to set up the Facebook account. He also claimed to have conducted his own research, which indicated that the account was linked to a different electronic device. His defense attorney, Tom Brymer, argued that Blandford had cooperated fully with police, handing over twenty electronic devices for examination, none of which contained any evidence of the offending messages. Brymer also suggested that the telecommunications provider, Vodafone, might have made an error in tracing the account back to Blandford’s address.

However, the presiding district judge, Kathryn Verghis, dismissed these claims, citing the victim’s testimony as clear and convincing evidence of Blandford’s guilt. She stated, “I don’t find your account plausible. I reject your evidence.” The judge emphasized that the evidence was overwhelming and found Blandford guilty of breaching the restraining order. As the verdict was delivered, Blandford, who had repeatedly attempted to interrupt the proceedings, responded with loud protests and swore at the court, maintaining his innocence.

Ms. Hill pointed out that, considering Blandford’s extensive criminal history, which includes previous convictions for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and other related offences, his latest actions warranted serious consideration. Judge Verghis acknowledged this, indicating that she was not ruling out custodial sentences and ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared, considering all options, including imprisonment. Despite his conviction, Blandford was granted unconditional bail, although he remains on the Sex Offenders Register and under the restraining order.

Historically, Blandford’s criminal record dates back to at least November 2012, when he was jailed for six and a half years for targeting a teenage girl over a period of seven years. The victim’s family recounted their ongoing ordeal, which began with anonymous text messages in 2005, escalating to explicit messages and the creation of fake social media profiles to continue the harassment. A relative of the girl described how Blandford’s obsession persisted, despite efforts to stop him. The family expressed their fear and frustration, fearing that Blandford might be released and continue his predatory behavior.

In the earlier case, Blandford, then 35, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to four years for causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, along with an additional 30 months for breaching a restraining order. Although he denied the charges, he was found guilty after a nine-day trial. The court also ordered him to remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and disqualified him from working with children or vulnerable individuals. The family and community continue to live in fear of his potential release, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by his criminal conduct.