Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching Banning Order

Craig Beddows, 55, has been jailed for 20 months after being found guilty of breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on multiple occasions.

Beddows, of Wolborough Street, befriended two mothers, in violation of his SHPO, which was imposed to protect children. He was in regular contact with four boys, despite being legally obligated to inform the women of his past convictions.

While Beddows did not commit any sexual offenses against the boys and was never left alone with them, Judge Timothy Kenefick at Exeter Crown Court emphasized the seriousness of his persistent and wilful breaches of the order.

Beddows, who was described as leading a lonely existence due to his past behavior, would give the children presents and preferred to be called "Uncle Craig."

The court was told that Beddows had a history of sexual offenses against girls under 16, dating back to 2003. He befriended a woman and, over a year, came into contact with her children, without disclosing his SHPO status.

Beddows also befriended another mother, again failing to reveal his past to her or his offender manager. The women were left feeling "betrayed" and upset upon learning the truth about Beddows.

Despite the defense's argument that Beddows posed no risk to boys, Judge Kenefick highlighted the consistent pattern of befriending mothers and their children, despite being aware of his legal restrictions.

The court recognized Beddows' solitary lifestyle and loneliness, but ultimately ruled that immediate prison was necessary due to the repeated nature of his breaches.