John Probert

A 56-year-old man from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, has been imprisoned for three years after violating the terms of his lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). John Probert, residing on Deerswood Avenue, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, following his conviction for two counts of breaching the order.

Probert had been subject to an SHPO since 2016, which was extended to a lifetime order in 2019. These orders are imposed on individuals convicted of sexual offences to prevent further harm to the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children. Despite these restrictions, Probert deliberately concealed his identity by creating two alias names and registering them on various online chat sites and social media platforms. He then used these aliases to engage with other users, including discussions that revealed his sexual interest in children, actions explicitly prohibited by the SHPO.

Hertfordshire Police's Public Protection Unit closely monitors offenders under such orders. Detective Inspector Phoebe Biggs commented on the case, stating: “Offenders who are subject to SHPOs are closely monitored by dedicated specialist trained offender managers, actively safeguarding the public. In the event of a registered sex offender failing to comply with their requirements, officers will take swift action to manage the risk, as we have done in this case.” She further highlighted Probert's misuse of social media, noting: “Probert has used several social media websites with his alias names, which he was not allowed to do as per the terms of his order. He has then gone onto numerous social media and chat sites where he has discussed his sexual interest in children and has deliberately concealed his identity to enable him to do this.”

The breach was deemed a serious threat to public safety, leading to Probert's arrest and subsequent guilty verdict. DI Biggs emphasised the implications: “This was a clear breach of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order that was put in place to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society and has resulted in a custodial sentence. I hope this serves to reassure the public and act as a warning to others who are subject to similar orders.” The case underscores the vigilance of Hertfordshire Police in enforcing protective measures against registered sex offenders.

Source: Hertfordshire Mercury, published 27 November 2023.