In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 43-year-old Scott Hastings—a known sex offender previously convicted of downloading child abuse images—was jailed for attempting to orchestrate sex crimes against two fictitious girls. Hastings, of Willington Road, Etwall, Derbyshire, was apprehended following two separate undercover operations by Leicestershire Police. It was reported that the investigation began in May 2022 when Hastings used the Chatiw application to contact an undercover officer he believed was the father of a young girl.
The investigation established that Hastings was not merely seeking images but explicitly stated his desire to engage in sexual intercourse with the child. Leicester Crown Court heard that just one week later, Hastings contacted a second undercover officer who was posing as a paedophile with a seven-year-old daughter. The prosecution reported that Hastings informed this “father” of his intention to commit multiple sexual offences against the girl and discussed meeting her the following weekend.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Hastings was already subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following his 2018 conviction, which he had previously breached and received a caution for in 2021. Leicester Crown Court heard that when officers arrested him at his then-residence in Leicestershire, they discovered a further collection of indecent photos of young females on his mobile phone. The investigation established that he pleaded guilty to four counts, including two charges of attempting to arrange a child sex offence and producing indecent photos.
Judge William Harbage KC presided over the sentencing on Monday, 8 December 2025, telling Hastings, “He has had his opportunity.” For his actions in Etwall and the wider East Midlands, Hastings was handed a custodial sentence of two years and four months. Despite his partner “standing by him,” the judge noted that Hastings had to be sentenced based on his clear intent to abuse children and extended his Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last for the remainder of his life to ensure constant monitoring by the Probation Service.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Derbyshire and Leicestershire, the status of Scott Hastings as of April 7, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (2-year and 4-month term; sentenced December 2025; currently incarcerated).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Indefinite).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence; Producing indecent photos; Breach of SHPO).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Leicester Crown Court; investigated by Leicestershire Police.
- Criminal Record: Two attempts to arrange sex with minors; Targeting of a fictitious 7-year-old; Previous 2018 conviction for exploitation images.
- Origin: Willington Road, Etwall, Derbyshire; formerly Leicestershire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hastings is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the prison estate and remains a priority for the Derbyshire Constabulary Public Protection Unit. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “persistent efforts” to facilitate physical abuse despite being under a 10-year court order—his management is a priority. Authorities state that his willingness to discuss committing multiple offences against a seven-year-old confirms he is a dangerous predator who requires the highest level of supervision.
As a registered sex offender for life, the 43-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his lifetime SHPO will mandate strict digital monitoring, including the forensic inspection of all internet-enabled devices upon any future release. Any future residence in Etwall or South Normanton will be subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Any attempt to access chat applications or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of predatory intent.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was already under a 10-year SHPO and had received a previous caution for a breach, do you believe that “Repeat Breaches” of sexual harm orders should trigger an automatic minimum five-year custodial sentence?
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