Benjamin Grant, a convicted sex offender, was recently sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for repeatedly violating the terms of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), restraining order, and notification requirements.

Grant's offenses included deleting illegal Instagram chats from his phone during a police home visit on October 5th, 2024. Forensic analysis revealed that he deleted messages sent to his ex-partner shortly before officers arrived, including one stating "Do not reply. Police checks." Despite a restraining order imposed in April 2024 following a stalking conviction, Grant continued to contact his former partner through voice notes and was seen near her address in breach of the order.

Further violations included creating a new Instagram account without disclosing it to authorities. The prosecutor highlighted the profound impact Grant's actions had on his ex-partner's mental health, leading to depression and distress.

Grant's defense attorney argued that no threatening messages were sent and that Grant expressed a desire to reintegrate into society through work and law-abiding behavior. However, Judge Nicholas Barker emphasized Grant's attempts to exert control over his ex-partner and imposed the 15-month prison sentence along with a three-year ban on contacting his former partner.