WARREN MARK SMITH

SELBY PAEDOPHILE HANDED COMMUNITY ORDER FOR POLICE MONITORING BREACH

A paedophile who did not follow a court order enabling police to monitor his online activities has been given a community order.

York Magistrates' Court heard that Warren Mark Smith, 50, has previous convictions for grooming a child for sexual purposes and possessing indecent images of children.

His solicitor, Craig Robertson, stated that Smith’s marriage has broken down and he is unable to work.

Prosecutor Anthony Farrell mentioned that Leeds Crown Court had imposed restrictions on Smith, including limiting his internet use and requiring him to comply with police monitoring under a sexual harm prevention order aimed at protecting children.

When police visited his home on February 18, Smith handed them a mobile phone he had not disclosed, which he was required to do under the order.

He pleaded guilty to breaching this order.

Magistrates considered imprisonment but decided on a community order to better prevent future offences.

The sentence was 18 months’ community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work, participation in a rehabilitative programme, and 10 days of rehabilitative activities.

He is also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

Smith immediately handed his phone to police and examination showed no evidence of illegal or forbidden activity on it.

He has significant health problems, and prison could jeopardize his accommodation.

For Smith, Craig Robertson emphasized that his client is genuinely remorseful.

Anthony Farrell added that Smith’s convictions include activities in 2011 involving indecent images of children and a grooming offence in 2021.