In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Lee Rowett, then 36, of Buckingham Street North, Scunthorpe, was jailed for five years due to the serious risk he poses to the public. On appearing at Grimsby Crown Court in July 2019, the defendant admitted to possessing and making indecent images of children. It was reported that Rowett, a serial offender with a history of sexual activity with a child, was discovered to be in possession of a prohibited mobile phone during a police raid at his home.
The investigation established that Rowett had a persistent habit of ignoring court mandates. Humberside Police reported that the search of his device uncovered 123 indecent images of children, with 11 of those files classified in the most serious Category A. The prosecution reported that Rowett had also retained images of a girl he had previously sexually assaulted, a move described as a “shameful” and “vile” return to his past predatory ways.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Rowett’s long history of non-compliance made a significant custodial sentence inevitable. Grimsby Crown Court heard how Rowett was already subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) from 2013, which specifically banned him from owning a phone without notifying the police. The investigation established that despite being jailed on previous occasions, including a three-year term, Rowett continued to breach his orders and amass “vile” material, demonstrating that he would not respond to non-custodial options.
Recorder Bryan Cox QC noted that Rowett represented a significant risk of committing further offences in the future. For his actions in Scunthorpe, Rowett was handed a five-year prison sentence. The judge noted that the severity of his repeat offending necessitated an extended licence period of three years upon his release, ensuring that he remains under strict supervision for a total of eight years.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Lee Rowett is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Five years in prison (2019).
- Extended Licence: Three years of supervision upon release.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were maintained for life.
- SHPO Status: Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order in effect.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court following a Humberside Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Multiple counts of making and possessing indecent images; Breach of SHPO; (Prior conviction: Sexual activity with a child).
- Origin: Buckingham Street North, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Rowett is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in North Lincolnshire. Due to the nature of his conduct in Scunthorpe and his repeated failure to comply with court orders, his management is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that his indefinite SHPO and extended licence are critical tools to ensure he is subject to unannounced digital audits and residency checks, preventing him from slipping back into his “vile” habits and targeting further victims.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Rowett must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of child exploitation in Scunthorpe necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to possess an unmonitored phone, access illegal content, or engage in inappropriate behaviour in North Lincolnshire or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.