A convicted Stoke-on-Trent Paedophile sex offender, Scott Bray, has been incarcerated after initiating a connection with a ‘vulnerable’ woman he encountered on Facebook.
In July, Scott Bray, 24, received a 12-month suspended prison term and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for three offences including the creation of child abuse photographs. He violated the SHPO by not informing the police within three days about his possession of a phone and an Xbox gaming console.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was informed that Scott Bray utilised the phone to communicate with a 23-year-old lady with learning disabilities, who has since become his partner.
He violated the reporting obligations of the sex offenders’ register by utilising three social media accounts under distinct aliases without notifying the authorities. He violated the suspended sentence by residing at an address in the Potteries without prior authorisation from his offender manager. Bray has been sentenced to 16 months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
On January 4, Prosecutor Ben Lawrence stated that police attended a residence in Stoke-on-Trent where Scott Bray resided with his new girlfriend. Mr. Lawrence stated, “He was enquired about a phone on two occasions, and he denied possessing one.” Ultimately, he conceded that he possessed one. He possessed it since at least December 31, exceeding three days.
“It was the phone he utilised to correspond with the susceptible woman.” During his police interview, Bray stated that he had utilised the phone since mid-November.
The court was informed that officers returned to his residence on January 18 and retrieved an Xbox gaming console. Mr. Lawrence stated, “His grandmother was consulted.” She disclosed that he had utilised social media profiles under three distinct aliases. That was a violation of the notice obligations.
She also verified that he had been communicating online with the vulnerable woman, his girlfriend, utilising those accounts and aliases. He was interviewed regarding the matter and confessed that he violated the SHPO.
Scott Bray, who has no permanent residence, admitted guilt to two offences of violating a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), failing to adhere to the notification obligations of the sex offenders’ register, and infringing upon a suspended prison sentence.
Rob Holt, in mitigation, stated: “He expresses genuine sorrow and remorse for his conduct.” He has assimilated his teachings and will not repeat the same errors.
He stated that Scott Bray encountered the susceptible woman on Facebook and did not specifically aim for her. He stated that his client had been abused while in detention and is experiencing anxiety and depression.
Mr. Holt stated: “He has not adequately acknowledged the specifics of the order and the degree of consideration required for these directives.” He informs me that it will not occur again.
Recorder Julian Taylor stated: “I consider these to be significant violations.” Scott Bray is still bound by the 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is listed on the sex offenders’ register for the same duration.
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