72-year-old Sentenced for Breaching Sexual Harm Order

A 72-year-old man, Peter Butt, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for breaching the conditions of his sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements.

Butt, previously of Northampton, was convicted in May 2021 of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. As part of his sentence, he was issued a sexual harm prevention order, requiring him to notify police of any new electronic devices and accounts.

However, in December 2021, during a visit by DC Sophie Duffree from Northamptonshire Police's MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders) Team and his probation officer, Butt was found to have three undeclared phones and a laptop. He had also created a new Twitter account, along with two other online aliases, without informing the police.

Butt was subsequently arrested for the breaches and charged. At Northampton Crown Court on January 21, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, in addition to the previously suspended 24-month sentence.

Following the sentencing, DC Duffree stated: "Registered sex offenders like Peter Butt are very closely monitored by our team, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to breaches such as these – there is absolutely no room for second chances or pleading ignorance. Breaches of a sexual harm prevention order are serious, and I'm pleased that has been recognized here with a custodial sentence. The facts of this case have shown Peter Butt to be a manipulative and deceitful individual who has shown a complete disregard for the orders placed upon him. I hope he takes this time in custody to reflect on his actions. In cases like these, we will look to immediately arrest and charge these offenders, thereby protecting the public."