Sex offender jailed for breaching prevention order.

Convicted Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching SHPO

A convicted registered sex offender has been jailed for breaching the conditions of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by contacting a 12-year-old child.

Kevin Challen, 55, from Worthing, was first convicted in March 2021 for possessing indecent images of children found on his computer during a police investigation. This resulted in a 10-month suspended prison sentence, placement on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, and restrictions under a SHPO.

While serving his suspended sentence, Challen breached the SHPO by befriending family friends through lies and deception and messaging a 12-year-old child. The child bravely informed their parents of the contact, leading to Challen's arrest by Sussex Police.

Following an investigation, Challen was charged with three counts of breaching his SHPO and failing to comply with Sex Offenders Register notification requirements. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on March 15th to 31 months in prison. His SHPO was also amended to run indefinitely.

Crime investigator Dawn Hosken said, "I commend the victim for their bravery in coming forward and the witnesses for their support. Challen, a convicted sex offender, is now in prison."