Convicted Paedophile Caught With Mobile Phones Despite Ban

Malcolm Crane, a convicted paedophile, was arrested for breaching the conditions of his sexual harm prevention order. He was found to have two mobile phones in his possession despite being banned from owning such devices.

Crane had been convicted at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court in May 2019 for attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. As part of his sentence, he received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was required to notify police of any change in address.

He last registered his details on January 4, 2021, and was due to return to do the same a year later but failed to do so despite a reminder. Police visited his home and received no response. They subsequently found him at his partner's address in Port Tennant on January 13, 2022.

Upon his arrest, police discovered he had two phones with internet access, which was another breach of the order. During police interview, Crane claimed he was unaware of the annual notification requirement despite having complied in the past. He stated he believed the order ended at the end of his probation period.

Crane, of Dyffryn y Coed, Church Village, Pontypridd, appeared at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to breaching the conditions of his sexual harm prevention order and two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements.

Mark Davies, mitigating for Crane, said: "He understands he chose not to report and chose to purchase the mobile phone. There is mitigation that thankfully the phone was not used to commit offences."

Judge Paul Thomas sentenced Crane to 20 weeks in prison.