William 'Billy' Nutt

William 'Billy' Nutt, a 59-year-old singer and former pub landlord from Northfleet near Gravesend, has been imprisoned for a second time for sexual offences. Nutt, who once performed as a supporting act for renowned artist Shirley Bassey, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on 10 June 2019, where he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the charges against him.

The charges stemmed from actions in February 2019, when Nutt was arrested by the Metropolitan Police for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that had been imposed following his previous conviction. This order was put in place after Nutt was sentenced to four years in prison in 2015 for the sexual assault of a four-year-old boy. Despite his prior incarceration, Nutt's recent behaviour demonstrated a continued disregard for legal restrictions designed to prevent further harm.

Upon his guilty plea, Judge unidentified in reports sentenced Nutt to a total of nine months' imprisonment: six months for the attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child and an additional three months for breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The sentencing took place immediately, sparing the need for a full trial. Nutt, residing at Black Eagle Drive in Northfleet, had previously managed pubs in Folkestone and Canterbury, and grew up in Temple Hill, Dartford.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in monitoring and preventing reoffending among individuals subject to sexual harm prevention measures. According to reports from KentOnline, published on 12 June 2019 and updated on 14 June 2019 by journalist Sean McPolin, Nutt's history as a local figure in the entertainment and hospitality sectors adds a layer of community impact to his crimes. No direct quotes from court proceedings were available in the article, but the swift guilty plea underscores the evidence presented by prosecutors.

• Previous conviction: 2015, four years for sexual assault of a child.
• Current charges: Attempting sexual communication with a child and breaching SHPO.
• Court: Woolwich Crown Court, London.

The Metropolitan Police's involvement underscores the cross-jurisdictional nature of the investigation, given Nutt's Kent connections. This second jailing serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks posed by repeat offenders in sexual crime cases.