Peter Scoins

Peter Scoins, a 67-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, November 10, 2024, after pleading guilty to breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). Scoins had previously been convicted in 2006 of 17 sexual offences and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Upon his release, he was subjected to an SHPO that mandated he disclose his past sexual offending history to individuals if he intended to form relationships with them, particularly in situations involving children.

The breach came to light in July 2024 when a neighbour discovered Scoins's criminal background through a social media post. Over a period of approximately two years, Scoins had engaged in brief interactions with children, such as saying hello, while walking his dog past their home. These encounters always occurred in the presence of the children's mother, who was unaware of his history. Prosecutor Ian Windridge outlined the case, emphasising that while Scoins was entitled to walk along public roads, the issue lay in the level of communication with the children without prior disclosure to the parent. 'There’s nothing to stop him walking along the road, it’s the level of the communication with the children,' Windridge stated. He further noted that 'as Mr Scoins indicated in his basis of plea, the parent was always there. It is a breach by not letting the parents know his background to what he actually did.'

Judge Jo Kidd questioned the necessity of prosecution, observing that Scoins was never alone with the children and was simply conducting his lawful daily business. Nevertheless, she proceeded with sentencing, following recommendations from the pre-sentence report. Mitigating, Sophie Johnstone advocated for a community-based penalty for her dog-walking client. Judge Kidd imposed a 12-month community order, including 12 days of rehabilitation activity requirements. In her remarks, she advised: 'You were actually passing the front of a house, as you are lawfully entitled to do, as you went about your normal daily business. Of course, given your background, it is important that you are mindful of the presence of children, even when they are in a different house setting and clearly out in public areas.'

The case was reported by Graeme Hetherington, Crime & Court Reporter for The Northern Echo, highlighting ongoing concerns about compliance with SHPOs in the community. Scoins resides on Brunswick Avenue in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, and the incident underscores the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring high-risk individuals post-release.