Tyler Roberts

Tyler Roberts, a 24-year-old resident of Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, appeared before Boston Magistrates' Court on 19 November 2025, where he pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and failing to comply with the requirements of the sex offenders' register. Roberts had previously been convicted in August 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child and making indecent images of children, resulting in the imposition of the SHPO and his registration as a sex offender.

The breaches occurred between 10 August and 18 September 2025. Monitoring software installed on Roberts' phone as part of the SHPO detected WhatsApp messages in which he asked the recipient to show him pictures of a child during a video call and to dress a child in a swimsuit. Prosecutor Jade Salter highlighted the concerning nature of these communications, stating, 'It was of most concern that he attempted to delete these chat threads that were captured by monitoring software.' She added that images of clothed children were found in his phone's bin, noting, 'It is concerning he’s asking for photos of children in swimming costumes.'

Additionally, Roberts failed to notify police within three days of receiving a new bank card, as required under the sex offenders' register. In his defence, Jacob Bacon argued that Roberts' severe learning disabilities made him profoundly vulnerable, describing him as a 'profoundly vulnerable young man' and warning that custody would leave him 'extremely open to exploitation.' Bacon characterised the notification breach as a 'technical breach,' explaining that the card was issued due to fraudulent activity and that only the long number had changed. He further noted that Roberts' disabilities placed him in a difficult position, as they contributed to his behaviour but also prevented him from being prescribed libido suppressants. The court was informed that Roberts had fully complied with a previous community order, including rehabilitation days.

During sentencing, chair of the bench Julie Nuttall urged Roberts, 'Please just behave,' before imposing an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, allowing him to avoid immediate jail. Roberts was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. This decision was influenced by the potential risks to Roberts in prison given his vulnerabilities. The case was reported by Duncan Browne for Lincs Online, based on proceedings at Boston Magistrates' Court.