In 2025, the Offender Database reported that Ian Strickland, then 50, of Lesh Lane, Barrow, was sentenced to a nine-year extended sentence at Preston Crown Court. On October 23, 2025, Strickland pleaded guilty to a series of “abhorrent” offences, including engaging in sexual communications with a child and multiple breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The investigation established that between February 1 and February 17, 2025, Strickland engaged in sexually explicit conversations with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. He solicited images, sent “vile” decoy images of his genitals, and engaged with several other child decoy accounts, “viciously” remarking that a 14-year-old was a “lovely age” and asking an 11-year-old for photographs.
Detection and “Antagonistic” Behaviour
Strickland’s offending came to light on March 27, 2025, when he was stopped by PC Chadwick on Duke Street. When asked about his mobile phone, Strickland “evasively” lied, claiming he had left it at home. When the officer challenged him, believing the device was in his pocket, Strickland replied, “police lie all of the time”, and became increasingly agitated.
A subsequent analysis of his Nokia mobile phone revealed:
- Category A: 16 images (the most serious level).
- Category B: 40 images.
- Category C: 39 images.
The court heard that Strickland had a “significant and worrying history,” having been jailed just one year prior for breaching his SHPO for a fourth time.
“Dangerous” Status and Extended Sentence
Judge Richard Archer classified Strickland as a “dangerous” offender, noting that he posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public. Despite defence claims that he had never committed a “contact” offence, the judge emphasised that Strickland was “clearly prepared” to incite children into sexual activity.
For his crimes in Cumbria, Ian Strickland was handed:
- Extended Sentence: Nine years in total.
- Custodial Term: Four years in prison (he must serve at least two-thirds before being considered for release).
- Extended Licence: Five years of strict supervision in the community.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements remain in place for life.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Strickland is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cumbria Police. His history of “persistent” reoffending and his “antagonistic” attitude toward monitoring mean he remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Strickland must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and digital devices. Cumbria Police state that they will use specialised software to monitor his mobile phone usage upon his eventual release. Any further breach of his SHPO or the conditions of his extended licence will result in his immediate return to Preston Crown Court.
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.