Allan Smith, a 38-year-old man from Carlisle, has been sentenced to two years in prison for breaching his sexual harm prevention order and the regulations of the Sex Offender Register. Smith was originally placed on the register in 2017 after grooming and sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl online. His recent court appearance revealed multiple violations of the conditions set to monitor his online activities.
Background of Offences
Smith’s initial offence occurred when he was 27 years old. He contacted the victim via Facebook, where he sent her numerous messages requesting inappropriate photographs. This led to serious sexual misconduct. In 2024, he was further prosecuted for exposure after being seen performing a sexual act in a neighbour’s garden.
Recent Violations
During his latest court case, it was revealed that Smith had failed to disclose five social media accounts to the police, as well as two mobile phones he was using. He also did not report several bank cards or his presence at a property where a child lived. These breaches are serious violations of the legal restrictions placed on him.
Defence Arguments
Smith’s defence attorney, Marion Weir, argued that he was struggling to cope with the consequences of his status as a registered sex offender. She mentioned incidents of vandalism against his property and a sense of isolation following the loss of family members. Weir suggested that these factors contributed to Smith reverting to his old behaviours.
Judicial Response
Judge Michael Fanning addressed the severity of Smith’s past actions, particularly the grooming of a minor. He noted that Smith had sent explicit images to another woman, causing alarm and distress. The judge decided on a two-year prison sentence, which included an additional eight weeks for a previously suspended sentence.
Future Considerations
Smith expressed intentions to relocate to a different area of Cumbria upon his release, hoping to distance himself from his past. He acknowledged the need for behavioural change to avoid repeating his history of offending. The court took into account that the child present at the location where Smith stayed was not at risk.
