Stephen Watkins

A Minehead resident and known sex offender, Stephen Watkins, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for violating a recently imposed sexual harm prevention order. The breach occurred just six weeks after the order was put in place, highlighting Watkins' disregard for court-imposed restrictions designed to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children.

The incident leading to the original order took place in 2022 near Bridgwater, where Watkins admitted to outraging public decency by performing a sex act in front of two 13-year-old girls. This shocking behaviour prompted the court in June to issue a sexual harm prevention order, prohibiting him from residing in any property with a child under the age of 16 without prior approval from social services. Despite this, Watkins was found to have done exactly that, living in such a property without the necessary authorisation.

Watkins appeared before Taunton Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the breach. Judge Richard Shepherd imposed a six-month custodial sentence for the violation and activated a previously suspended nine-month sentence from June, resulting in a total of 15 months' imprisonment. The judge's decision underscores the seriousness with which the courts treat breaches of orders aimed at preventing further sexual harm.

Watkins, from Alcombe in Minehead, has a history of previous sexual offences, making this case particularly concerning. The court proceedings were reported by the West Somerset Free Press on 5 August 2025, emphasising the ongoing risks posed by individuals who fail to comply with protective measures. No further details on Watkins' prior convictions were provided in the coverage, but the swift imposition of the full sentence reflects the judiciary's commitment to public safety in sexual offence cases.