Steven Coatsworth

Steven Coatsworth, a 60-year-old resident of Nutbane Close in Andover, Hampshire, was sentenced at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court for multiple breaches of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) originally imposed in 2017. The court heard that Coatsworth, who is required to adhere to strict conditions as a registered sex offender, engaged in prohibited activities between May 5 and May 12, 2024.

The breaches included using two banned applications on May 7, accessing a private browser on May 12, and failing to notify authorities about using the alias 'Natural Nudist' on a chat site on May 8. Most seriously, Coatsworth admitted to making two Category C indecent images of children during the period from May 5 to May 8. These actions were detailed in the prosecution's case, highlighting Coatsworth's non-compliance with the order designed to prevent further sexual harm.

The magistrate described the offences as 'so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified,' yet opted for a suspended term to allow for rehabilitation under supervision. Coatsworth was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Additional penalties included participation in a 26-day rehabilitation programme, the forfeiture and destruction of the mobile phone used in the offences, and an extension of the SHPO for a further 10 years. He will remain under close supervision by probation services.

This case was reported in the Andover Advertiser on January 2025, as part of a roundup of local court proceedings at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court. The article, written by Kiran Sajan, deputy regional editor, emphasised the importance of SHPO compliance in protecting the public from sexual offences. No further details on prior convictions were provided, but the 2017 order indicates a history of sexual offending.