In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Robbie Smith, then 31, of Campus Court, Ashford, Kent, successfully challenged an application to impose strict internet restrictions following his conviction for sexual offences. On Monday, 26 January 2026, magistrates at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court ruled that such restrictions were not necessary or proportionate in his case.
The investigation established that Smith had been caught in 2022 by “paedophile hunters” in an online sting operation. Smith believed he was conversing with two 13-year-old girls, but the accounts were actually operated by adult decoys. During the interactions, he “viciously” encouraged the decoys to engage in sexual acts on themselves and sent messages of a “vile” grooming nature, referring to the decoys as “babe” and “gorgeous.”
Conviction and Suspension of Sentence
Smith initially denied the allegations but later changed his plea. He was convicted last year of:
- Two counts of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.
For these “abhorrent” crimes in Kent, Smith was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 10 years. Despite these penalties, his legal team argued that a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)—which would have restricted his internet access and use of electronic devices—was an overreach.
Judicial Ruling on SHPO Necessity
At the hearing in Folkestone, Kent, the court heard that Smith had exhibited moments of awareness regarding the wrongfulness of his actions, at one point messaging a decoy that he would “get into trouble” before blocking the account.
The magistrates’ decision to allow Smith unrestricted internet access was based on the legal principle that preventative orders must be proportionate. While the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Kent Police sought the SHPO to protect the public from potential sexual harm, the court decided that the existing 10-year notification requirements were sufficient for monitoring his status in Ashford.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Smith remains managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Kent Police. Despite the lack of an internet-restricting SHPO, his status as a registered sex offender means his residence and personal details are under “critical” scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender until 2035, Smith must comply with all notification requirements regarding his address in Ashford, Kent. Kent Police state that they will continue to assess the risk posed by offenders in the community. Any “vicious” return to grooming behaviour or any breach of his suspended sentence conditions will result in his immediate return to Folkestone Magistrates’ Court or a higher court for sentencing.
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