SHAUN TURRELL SENTENCED IN NORWICH FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER
A sex offender was found to have violated his court order by downloading and sharing indecent images of children on a secret phone after struggling during lockdown, Norwich Crown Court was told on Friday.Shaun Turrell, 56, who was under police supervision, was suspected of hiding a phone from authorities, the court heard.
Prosecutor Marc Brown explained that as a convicted sex offender, Turrell was required to disclose any devices capable of internet access.
However, Turrell claimed he only possessed a basic phone without internet functionality.
Acting on a tip-off, police searched Turrell’s home and discovered a smartphone hidden in a drawer in his bedroom.
When examined, the device revealed that Turrell had downloaded images classified as the most serious category of indecent material and had shared these images with another individual via a chatroom he was using.
Mr Brown stated, "It was not the first time Turrell had breached court orders and downloaded indecent images of children." The court was also told that Turrell had previous convictions for possession and distribution of indecent images and was in breach of an eight-week suspended sentence.
Turrell, formerly residing on Old Hunstanton Road, Hunstanton, admitted to the offences of distribution and download of indecent images as well as breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was sentenced to 33 months in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
Representing Turrell, solicitor Isobel Ascherson explained that his re-offending occurred during a particularly challenging period in lockdown.
She said he had been displaced from his family home and was then required to care for his elderly mother, who was hospitalised in Norwich.
Ms Ascherson stated, "While not an excuse, the stress of these circumstances and the pressures of lockdown contributed to his re-offending." In sentencing, Recorder Simon Taylor acknowledged that the difficulties of lockdown and family issues had impacted Turrell.
However, he emphasized, "These are very serious matters indeed."
