Paul Webster breached SHPO Image: Kent Police
Paul Webster, who was convicted of producing indecent images of children at Maidstone Crown Court on September 1, 2017, was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which included stringent restrictions on his internet usage and mandated his cooperation with police inspections of his computers and other electronic devices.
To ensure the SHPOs are being complied with, Kent Police maintains a specialized unit tasked with overseeing the behaviour of registered sex offenders. This team rigorously monitors individuals to guarantee adherence to court-imposed conditions following a conviction.
On Wednesday 14 February 2024, two officers visited Webster’s home and asked him to present any phones or computers in his possession for inspection. He gave the constables a phone that was not enabled for the internet and claimed he had no other devices. A search of the premises found two internet enabled phones, one under a pillow, 11 USB sticks and a SD card. One of the phones contained indecent images of children including some in the most serious category, and a browser that did not retain internet history.
Webster’s actions were evidence of multiple breaches of his SHPO. Officers also found he had acquired a bank card without notifying the police, in contravention of his sex offender notification requirements.
Investigators charged Webster, of Railway Street, Chatham, with making indecent images of a child, failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Webster pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and, on Friday 20 December 2024, the 56-year-old was jailed for three years and nine months’ imprisonment.
PC Areolito Gashi said:
‘The whole point of giving convicted sex offenders sexual harm prevention orders and notification requirements is to allow them to prove that they can be trusted to live safely within our communities. This trust comes with the knowledge that police officers can visit their homes at any time to check they are following the conditions imposed on them.
‘Webster has blatantly breached several prohibitions and as a result finds himself in prison. Other offenders in his situation should consider the likely sanctions should they fail to follow the restrictions on their conduct.’