A registered sex offender from Dover, Matthew Downing, 25, has been apprehended 100 miles from his home after repeatedly violating a court-imposed Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Kent Police’s specialist officers tracked him down following multiple breaches, including the use of unmonitored internet devices and the possession of indecent images.
Downing, who received the SHPO in January 2022 after convictions related to indecent images of children, was found sleeping in a car he’d recently bought, in Shalford, Surrey. His access to the internet was strictly regulated, requiring him to inform police and install monitoring software before using any device.
In February 2025, authorities discovered Downing had been using devices without permission and found he had absconded from his Dover address on Salisbury Road. The MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders) Targeting Team swiftly launched a search, resulting in his arrest.
Downing faced 13 charges, including 10 breaches of his SHPO. These breaches involved the use of an anonymous web browser, online storage, and a disappearing message social media app. He also failed to notify police of his access to a smartphone, laptop, and two virtual computers. Further charges included accessing the dark web to obtain indecent images of children and failing to register dating app usernames as required.
Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, March 10th, Downing pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, April 17th.