Nigel Harding

Nigel Harding, a 64-year-old resident of Crosslands Drive in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on November 25, where he was sentenced for multiple breaches related to his status as a registered sex offender.

Harding had a prior conviction in 2016 at Chester Crown Court, where he received a two-year custodial sentence for offences involving child pornographic images. As part of that sentence, he was subjected to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and required to adhere to notification requirements under the sex offenders' register.

Between August and October this year, Harding breached these conditions by moving in with a woman who had two daughters under the age of 16, without notifying the police of his change of address or his homeless status earlier in June. The woman was completely unaware of Harding's criminal history and the existence of the sexual harm prevention order, and she was reportedly shocked when informed by authorities.

Further breaches included deleting internet history and applications such as Telegram, Wickr, Mega, Kik, Session, and Teleguard from his devices. Harding also used software that prevented the recording of internet activity, specifically Snapchat and Incognito mode, in violation of the order's stipulations.

Prosecutor Philip Sutton outlined these failures to the court, emphasising the seriousness of Harding living in close proximity to young children without oversight. In mitigation, Nick Cotter argued that Harding wished to move forward with his life and had future plans. However, Judge Ian Pringle KC imposed a sentence of 20 months' imprisonment, underscoring the importance of compliance with protective measures for public safety.

The case was heard at Oxford Crown Court, with reporting by Toby Oliver for The Herald Series. Thames Valley Police were involved in the investigation, though specific details on their role were not elaborated in court proceedings.