Steven Banner

Steven Banner, a 48-year-old resident of The Island in Anthorn, West Cumbria, has been imprisoned for nearly a year following two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order. The order, imposed due to his prior conviction as a sex offender, prohibited him from owning or possessing any digital devices without prior approval. Despite these restrictions, Banner was found to have multiple such devices in his bedroom during a routine compliance check.

The discovery was made during a home visit conducted by officers from Cumbria Police’s Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team. Among the items uncovered was a storage hard drive concealed in a bedroom drawer, which Banner was explicitly banned from possessing. This breach highlighted Banner's disregard for the protective measures designed to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.

Following the visit, Banner was arrested and charged with breaching the sexual harm prevention order. He appeared before the court, where the severity of his actions was underscored by the prosecution. Banner was ultimately sentenced to 46 weeks' imprisonment, a term reflecting the court's commitment to upholding such orders and protecting the community from potential risks posed by registered sex offenders.

Cumbria Police emphasised the importance of these prevention orders in managing sexual offenders. As stated in their official release, the MOSOVO team's proactive monitoring played a crucial role in identifying the breach. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to enforce compliance and deter violations that could lead to further offences.