TERENCE MASON FROM ASHBOURNE CAUGHT WATCHING KIDS AT DERBY'S WESTFIELD CENTRE AND BANNED

In a serious incident that has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of restrictions on convicted offenders, Terence Mason, a resident of Ashbourne, was formally banned from Derby's Westfield Centre after being caught engaging in inappropriate behavior near a children's play area.

According to court records, Mason, aged 65 and residing at St Mary’s Wharf in Derby, was found to have been watching children in the play zone of the shopping centre. This behavior was particularly troubling given Mason's prior criminal history involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. He had previously served a three-year prison sentence for molesting a five-year-old girl and forcing her to touch him inappropriately. That offense occurred at his residence in Ashbourne on July 31, 2008, and Mason had pleaded guilty to two counts related to sexual acts with a child under 13.

Following his conviction, Mason was subjected to a lifelong sexual offenders' prevention order, which explicitly prohibited him from being in the company of children and placed restrictions on his movements around areas where children are present. Despite these measures, Mason admitted to sitting close to the children's play area at Westfield on approximately ten or eleven occasions. At the time of the latest incident, he was living in Ashbourne, but his actions prompted immediate legal action.

Derby Crown Court heard that Mason was arrested after complaints from members of the public who observed his suspicious behavior near the play zone. During police interviews, Mason initially claimed that he could not see the children’s play area from where he sat. However, he later admitted that he had gone to the centre specifically to watch children. He expressed a particular interest in children aged between five and thirteen, especially those approaching puberty, which added to the concerns about his intentions.

In court, prosecutor Laura Pitman detailed Mason's admissions and behavior, emphasizing the breach of his previous order. Mason, formerly of Northcliffe Road in Ashbourne, pleaded guilty to breaching the order that banned him from entering within 50 meters of a children's play area. The court was informed that Mason's actions were a clear violation of the restrictions designed to protect children and the community.

Judge Andrew Hamilton sentenced Mason to a community and supervision order lasting three years. Notably, the judge amended parts of Mason's existing order, extending the distance he was permitted to be near children under 16 from 50 meters to 100 meters. Additionally, Mason was explicitly banned from entering the Westfield Centre altogether. Judge Hamilton stated that the prohibition was necessary for Mason's own protection and to prevent further incidents, warning that public awareness of Mason's criminal history might lead to mistaken identifications if he were seen innocently sitting in the shopping centre.

During the hearing, Mason's defense lawyer, Rebecca Wrack, explained that her client was attempting to address the underlying issues that led to his offending. She emphasized that Mason did not intend to act on his inappropriate thoughts and feelings but recognized the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to further breaches of his order. Mason acknowledged the need for ongoing efforts to manage his behavior and prevent future violations, but the court's primary concern remained the safety of children and the community at large.