SIMON TURNER FROM DAREN LET KIDS WRAP HIM IN TOILET PAPER AT BLACKPOOL HOLY COMMUNION PARTY

In July 2018, a disturbing incident occurred during a child's first holy communion celebration in Blackpool, where Simon Turner, a man with a troubling criminal past, was present among the young attendees. Turner, aged 49 and residing on Gifford Way in Darwen, was found to have violated a strict sexual offences prevention order by being in the company of numerous children at the event without the knowledge or consent of their parents.

During the proceedings at Blackburn magistrates' court, it was revealed that Turner had previously been convicted of sexual offences, and the order in place explicitly required him to disclose his convictions and the existence of the order to all parents attending the gathering. Despite this, Turner did not inform anyone about his past, which led to his breach of the order.

The incident that brought Turner back into legal scrutiny involved children at the party engaging in a seemingly innocent activity—wrapping him in toilet tissue. However, the context was far more serious, given his criminal background and the restrictions placed upon him.

Turner pleaded guilty to breaching the sexual harm prevention order, acknowledging that he had been in the company of numerous children without the necessary disclosures. The court heard that the event was organized at the invitation of his partner’s best friend, who had invited them to her daughter’s holy communion celebration in Blackpool.

Following the guilty plea, Turner was committed to Preston Crown Court for sentencing, scheduled for August 20. His defense attorney, Gareth Price, emphasized that Turner had been released from prison two years prior for his original offences and that this incident marked his first breach of the order. Price also pointed out that Turner’s presence at the event was unintentional in terms of violating the order, as he was not aware that he was required to disclose his convictions to the parents present.

Nevertheless, the court maintained the seriousness of the breach, given the nature of Turner’s previous convictions and the potential risk posed by his presence among children without proper disclosure. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the monitoring and management of individuals with a history of sexual offences, especially in settings involving children and family gatherings.