Thomas Finney

Thomas Finney, a 31-year-old man, faced sentencing at Chester Magistrates’ Court for breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed following his previous conviction for sexual communications with a minor.

In 2022, Finney was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court for contacting a young teenager online when she was between 13 and 14 years old. He sent her sexual messages and images, leading to a two-year community order with a rehabilitation requirement and the imposition of an SHPO. The order required him to register electronic devices with the police to prevent further harm.

On 23 February 2024, officers from Cheshire Police’s sexual offender management unit, as part of Operation Guardians aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable people, conducted a routine check at an address on St Peter’s Way in Orford, Warrington. During the search, they discovered a mobile phone hidden at the property, resulting in Finney's arrest on suspicion of breaching the SHPO.

Finney admitted to the breach. Deputy District Judge Roger Lowe remarked that the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified. However, considering his guilty plea, the court suspended a six-month prison sentence for 12 months. Finney was also required to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £85 in court costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £154 victim surcharge, with deductions approved from his benefits. His SHPO remains in effect.

At the time of sentencing, Finney resided at Robertson Grove in Worksop. The case was reported by the Warrington Guardian, highlighting ongoing efforts by Cheshire Police to manage sexual offenders.