Prolific Child Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching SHPO

A prolific registered child sex offender has been imprisoned again for violating the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) just weeks after being released from prison. Nathan Parker, formerly residing at HMP Preston, received a five-year custodial sentence in March 2020 for similar offenses before being recalled to prison for breaching his SHPO, as revealed by Preston Crown Court.

His Honour Judge Richard Gioserano stated that the 31-year-old was initially incarcerated until September 23, 2024, and subsequently released. However, within weeks, Parker allegedly breached his SHPO and notification requirements once more.

Prosecuting the case, Kiera Shaw explained that Parker informed his offender manager, DC Chadwick, that he was homeless and lacked a mobile phone on September 25th of the previous year. Ms. Shaw further stated that Parker requested permission to visit his mother's address in Dalton between October 2nd and October 6th, which was granted under the condition that it wouldn't be for an extended period.

Despite this agreement, a member of the public reported seeing Parker residing permanently at the Dalton address on November 1st. Consequently, DC Chadwick and another officer visited the property, witnessing Parker using a mobile phone while seated on the sofa. According to Ms. Shaw, Parker displayed "a look of terror and panic" upon their arrival.

Upon entering the residence, officers requested information about the mobile phone, to which Parker responded with "What phone?" The court was informed that Parker subsequently threw a black mobile phone out the window. Ms. Shaw recounted that during his arrest, Parker exclaimed, "'Oh no, not again,' before collapsing on the floor and curling up into a fetal position."

Examination of the recovered electronic device revealed that Parker possessed one prohibited image of a child, three category A indecent images of children, and an additional three category C images. The court was further informed that he had eight previous convictions for 29 offenses.

In mitigation, Claire Larton stated, "His guilty plea at the first opportunity is his best form of mitigation." She added that Parker struggles to cope in the community, experiences significant stress, anxiety, and panic, and faces challenges with accommodation and structure. Ms. Larton emphasized that Parker receives support within custody, finding prison to be a more stable environment for him presently.

She further disclosed that Parker is working in custody, assisting other inmates through letter writing, and wishes to explore the possibility of an autism diagnosis for future support.

Judge Gioserano imposed a 32-month prison sentence for the six offenses. Before determining the length of the jail term, he addressed Parker, stating, "Nothing that has been done with you so far has put a stop to this." He acknowledged that many might advocate for a longer sentence exceeding his previous punishment, but explained that sentencing guidelines dictate the judicial process.

Judge Gioserano also hinted at a future point where sentencing guidelines may not be strictly adhered to. Parker remains subject to an indefinite SHPO and notification requirements.