WILLIAM MARTIN BUSTED IN BISPHAM FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER AND GIVING SWEETS TO YOUNG BOY

In a serious breach of legal restrictions, William Martin, a 46-year-old resident of Ashfield Road in Bispham, found himself in trouble for violating a court-mandated Sex Offences Prevention Order (Sopo).

Martin, who has a troubling criminal history, previously served a four-year sentence after being convicted of sexual offences in 1997. Following his release, he was subjected to a Sopo in 2008, which explicitly prohibited him from having any contact with children under the age of 16, especially if their parents were unaware of his past convictions.

The recent incident involved Martin forming a relationship with a young boy over a period of nine months, starting in April of the previous year. The boy was a grandson of a woman from Blackpool, and during this time, Martin regularly interacted with him, often offering sweets and engaging in friendly conversations. Unbeknownst to the child's family, Martin’s past convictions made his contact with the boy a clear violation of the court order.

This was not Martin’s first breach of the Sopo, highlighting a pattern of disregard for the restrictions imposed upon him. When questioned by police, Martin claimed that his actions were a mistake and denied any intent to groom the child. Despite his denial, the evidence of his contact with the boy was enough to warrant further legal proceedings.

Martin’s case was brought before Preston Crown Court, where District Judge Jeff Brailsford, sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court, ordered him to be held on bail until his sentencing, scheduled for February 14. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on convicted sex offenders, especially those who attempt to re-establish contact with minors without proper authorization.