Sean Keane

Sean Keane, a 61-year-old man from London Colney, Hertfordshire, has been sentenced to two years in prison for breaching a sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements. This marks the second time Keane has been imprisoned for violating court orders related to his previous sexual offences.

The incident leading to his latest sentencing occurred on 4 May 2023, when officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary visited Keane's home in London Colney. During the visit, Keane admitted to purchasing a new phone from a neighbour a few days earlier but claimed he had attempted to notify his assigned officer, though he no longer had the contact details. Despite denying possession of any other internet-capable devices, police searched the property and discovered an Amazon Fire tablet, which he had not registered as required under his court order. Additionally, investigations revealed that Keane had been using his mother's maiden name as an alias on Facebook Messenger without informing the authorities.

Keane pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching the sexual harm prevention order. This order stemmed from his earlier conviction in October 2019, when he was jailed for 33 months after breaching a similar court order just one week following his sentencing for attempting to communicate with a child and attempting to meet a child following grooming activities. At that time, a police raid on his then-home in Hemel Hempstead uncovered two unregistered phones.

During the sentencing hearing at St Albans Crown Court on 14 December 2023, Judge Michael Roques expressed significant concern over Keane's repeated disregard for the law. 'You were previously sentenced to prison for breaching a court order and you wilfully chose to breach it again,' the judge stated. 'I am concerned you will commit further offences.' Representing Keane, solicitor Alexandra Monaghan highlighted his poor health, loneliness, and a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, suggesting these factors contributed to his lapse in judgement.

Hertfordshire Constabulary emphasised the importance of compliance with such orders to protect the public. The force's involvement underscores their ongoing monitoring of registered sex offenders in the area. Keane, residing on Birchway in London Colney, now faces the consequences of his actions, with this custodial sentence aimed at preventing further risks.