Craig Beddows, an Exeter Paedophile convicted of a sexual offence has been incarcerated for violating a prohibition order by engaging with minors.
Craig Beddows, aged 55, violated his Sexual Harm Prevention Order by forming friendships with two mothers, so endangering his children.
Craig Beddows disregarded the rule and maintained regular communication with four lads instead of informing the women about his background.
Craig Beddows did not engage in any sexual misconduct with them and was never alone with the young individuals. However, a judge at Exeter Crown Court determined that he was guilty of repeatedly and intentionally violating his court order. He would bestow gifts onto the children and preferred to be addressed as ‘Uncle Craig’.
Craig Beddows, residing on Wolborough Street, confessed to four violations of the order and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
According to the court, Craig Beddows lived a solitary life because his family rejected him as a result of his past actions, which began with a conviction for sexually assaulting underage children in 2003.
According to the court, Craig Beddows established a friendly relationship with a woman and interacted with her children for almost one year.
“There was nothing inappropriate in how he behaved towards them, but she wasn’t aware he was subject to a SHPO,” said prosecutor Mr Ian Graham.
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Craig Beddows also made friends with another mother. There was no suggestion he misbehaved with her children, but he did not reveal the contact to his offender manager.
When the women were told about his past, they felt ‘betrayed’ and upset, the court was told.
Mr Barry White, defending, said Craig Beddows’s previous offending had been against girls, and he did not pose a risk to boys.
Recorder Timothy Kenefick said: “You have several previous convictions for sexual offences involving children under 16 and breaching notification orders.
“The probation report says there is a clear pattern of befriending mothers with young children and having contact with these children knowing full well you’re not permitted to do that.”
He said he accepted that Craig Beddows led a solitary life and endured considerable loneliness. Still, it was not the first breach, and there was no alternative to immediate prison.
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