Convicted of engaging in sexual communications with a child breached Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Paedophile Breaches Court Order After Failing to Declare Mobile Phone

Malcolm John West, 63, of Cardiff, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by failing to inform authorities about a new mobile phone.

West, who was convicted of engaging in sexual communications with a child in August 2022, was required to register all electronic devices with probation as part of the SHPO.

The court heard that West had previously breached court orders by failing to disclose changes in his address. He also has a history of sexual offenses, including convictions for intercourse with a girl under 18 in 1979 and 1984, and indecent assault of a girl under 14 in 1993.

Following his release from prison on March 14, 2023, West was found to have purchased a new mobile phone without notifying probation. When officers visited his home on March 30, he admitted he had "forgotten" to register the device.

West pleaded guilty to breaching the SHPO. The court heard he has a total of 63 previous convictions.

Defence barrister Nick Gedge argued that there was no evidence of "anything untoward" on the phone and that West was preoccupied at the time of the offense due to his partner being in hospital and him being evicted.

Sentencing West, Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke stated, "You are a persistent sex offender and have little regard for orders."

The SHPO remains in force.