In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Jason Richards, 48, of Lydia Street, Accrington, was jailed for breaching his sex offender notification requirements just days after being released from prison. On appearing at Preston Crown Court, the defendant admitted to using nine different aliases and usernames on mainstream and adult dating websites without informing the police. It was reported that Richards had previously served a 10-year sentence for rape and child sexual assault and was released on 20 May 2019, only to begin his deceptive online activity 48 hours later.
The investigation established that Richards’ digital footprint was a significant cause for concern. Lancashire Constabulary reported that during a search of his phone on 29 May 2019, officers discovered a huge amount of internet history and evidence that he had been searching for pornographic material. The prosecution reported that Richards was legally required to notify the police of any names or aliases he used within three days, a statutory obligation he intentionally ignored.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Richards had a history of serious sexual offending, with four convictions for 10 previous offences. Preston Crown Court heard how his immediate return to dating sites under false identities represented a calculated attempt to bypass police monitoring. The investigation established that his actions in Accrington triggered an immediate recall to prison on his licence, meaning he would have to serve at least another 15 months behind bars for his original crimes regardless of the new sentence.
Recorder Kate Bex QC noted that Richards’ failure to comply with his notification requirements so soon after his release was a serious matter. For his actions in Accrington, Richards was handed a four-week prison sentence to run concurrently with his 15-month licence recall. The judge noted that the strict rules surrounding the Sex Offenders Register exist specifically to prevent offenders from using aliases to target new victims on the internet.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Jason Richards is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 10 years for rape and child sexual assault (original); Four weeks for notification breach (2019).
- Licence Status: Recalled to prison for 15 months (2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court following a Lancashire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape; Child sexual assault; Failure to comply with notification requirements.
- Origin: Lydia Street, Accrington, Lancashire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Richards is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in Lancashire. Due to his history of using “mainstream” dating sites and aliases in Accrington, his management is subject to intensive scrutiny, including regular unannounced digital forensic audits of his devices. Authorities state that his immediate breach of his licence highlights a high risk of recidivism, requiring proactive monitoring of all his online communication and social media activity.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Richards must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and any digital aliases. Authorities state that his history of child abuse and deceptive online behaviour in Accrington necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to use false names, access dating apps without disclosure, or engage in inappropriate behaviour in Lancashire or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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