Daniel Coulton

A Powys sex offender, Daniel Coulton, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to breaching his sexual harm prevention order by tampering with his internet usage, potentially facing imprisonment as a result.

Coulton, aged 59 and residing in Trallong between Sennybridge and Brecon, appeared at Merthyr Crown Court on Thursday, May 8, where he admitted to four offences of perverting the course of public justice. These offences occurred on June 12, 2022, and involved failing to inform Dyfed-Powys Police about possessing a device capable of accessing the internet. Additionally, he confessed to downloading online privacy software DuckDuckGo on three occasions and deleting his internet history, actions that directly contravened the restrictions imposed on him.

The restrictions stem from a sexual harm prevention order issued by Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court in August 2019, designed to monitor and limit Coulton's internet access following prior sexual offences. Her Honour Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke addressed Coulton during the hearing, stating that 'all sentencing options are open' but noting that cases of this nature generally result in immediate custody. She released him on bail with the condition that he must reside at his Trallong address until sentencing.

The Probation Service is scheduled to visit Coulton to prepare a report, which the judge will review prior to passing sentence at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Tuesday, June 17. This case underscores the ongoing enforcement of measures to prevent reoffending among individuals subject to such orders, as reported by the County Times.