90-Year-Old Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching Order and Engaging in Further Offenses

A 90-year-old registered sex offender from Northampton has been sentenced to prison for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and committing further offenses against children.

Bernard Alan Crathorne, previously of Grosvenor Gardens, Northampton, was subject to a strict SHPO that prohibited him from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16. However, in August 2020, Crathorne repeatedly violated this order by speaking to children and offering them sweets and money.

Crathorne was subsequently arrested and charged with four counts of breaching his SHPO, one count of sexual assault on a female under 13, and one count of causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on October 14th to four years and six months in prison.

Detective Constable Angie Torley, the lead investigator, stated, "Bernard Crathorne is a dangerous and prolific sex offender, and we are relieved to have him incarcerated and away from children. His extended license of five years, which won't expire until just shy of his 100th birthday, will further protect children."

DC Torley expressed gratitude to the children involved in the case for their bravery in coming forward and their families for their support. "Their bravery in reporting this matter and providing evidence has prevented Crathorne from harming children in the community," she added.

Northamptonshire Police has emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to such offenses. "If a breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order is identified, there are no second chances, and just like Crathorne, offenders will be sent to prison," DC Torley stated.

The case underscores Northamptonshire Police's commitment to bringing sex offenders to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.