Aiden Ward

Aiden Ward, a 22-year-old man from Stanley in County Durham, has been returned to custody following further violations of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that was imposed on him at Durham Crown Court last year.

The SHPO was originally put in place to protect the public from sexual harm by restricting Ward's interactions and behaviours after his prior conviction for sexual offences. Despite these restrictions, Ward attempted to contact a teenage girl, an action that directly contravened the terms of the order. This breach was discovered and reported, leading to his arrest by Durham Constabulary.

Ward appeared before magistrates at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody pending sentencing at Durham Crown Court. The court proceedings highlight the ongoing efforts to enforce protective measures against individuals with a history of sexual offending. According to reports from The Northern Echo, Ward's actions demonstrate a disregard for the legal safeguards designed to prevent further harm.

Durham Constabulary has emphasised the importance of compliance with such orders, stating that breaches are taken seriously to ensure community safety. Ward is scheduled to face sentencing for these latest offences, which could result in additional custodial time. This case underscores the challenges in rehabilitating and monitoring sex offenders post-conviction.