In 2026, a 67-year-old prolific sex offender who has accumulated more than 23 breaches of his court orders appeared at Leeds Crown Court and thanked the sentencing judge after being handed a 16-month custodial sentence.
Neil Poundford, of no fixed address and originally from Wakefield, appeared before Recorder James Baird for sentencing after failing to comply with his statutory notification requirements as a registered sex offender and repeatedly violating the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The court was told that Poundford had already been jailed on at least 20 separate occasions for identical non-compliance and breach offences.
Prosecuting barrister Oliver Kilvington outlined that following a previous release from custody, Poundford was legally obligated under notification requirements to attend a designated police station within three days to register his details. When later traced and arrested by police, Poundford claimed he “couldn’t be bothered” complying with the law because the journey would have cost him £30 in taxi fares.
The court heard that Poundford’s SHPO incorporates an absolute prohibition against him travelling unaccompanied on buses or public transit without an approved trusted adult. The restrictive order was initially imposed alongside a prison sentence in 2017 following sexual convictions involving two female children, aged 13 and 17, alongside sexual assaults against adult women. Kilvington stressed to the court that Poundford’s deliberate and persistent non-compliance presented a serious and ongoing risk of harm or distress to the public.
Addressing the court directly, Poundford admitted that his defiance of the bus ban was calculated, stating that whenever he found himself homeless upon release, he would deliberately board buses in order to be caught, arrested, and returned to the security of prison custody.
Passing sentence, Recorder James Baird noted the extraordinary record of persistent defiance and sentenced Poundford to an immediate term of 16 months’ imprisonment.
Reacting to the decision from the dock, Poundford told the judge: “That’s a very fair sentence, your honour. I thank you for your professionalism.”
Image – Court Appearance Sketch
For the latest updates and offender details, follow us on the Offender Database Facebook Page. 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 how to report a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.