In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that then 31-year-old Robert Checkley was sentenced to 16 months in prison after flouting a court order to work as an elf at a children’s Christmas event. Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, the defendant—of Cramlington, Northumberland—admitted to two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and failing to comply with notification requirements. It was reported that Checkley, a convicted paedophile, had been banned for life from any activity involving contact with minors following a 2015 conviction for making indecent photographs of children.
The investigation established that Checkley had been working at the Bear and Ragged Staff pub in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, for three months without disclosing his criminal past to his employers. Warwickshire Police reported that on 17 December 2017, the pub hosted a “Breakfast with Santa” event. The prosecution reported that Checkley dressed in a children’s elf character costume and served breakfast to families and young children between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, in direct violation of his strict legal restrictions.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Checkley’s deception was only uncovered six weeks later when his ex-girlfriend posted details of his history on Facebook, forcing him to flee the town. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Checkley then moved to the North East, securing a job at The Range in Gateshead while remaining “off the radar” of the authorities. The investigation established that he was eventually caught after being pulled over for drink-driving, which led police to discover he had failed to register his new addresses as required by law.
Judge Sarah Mallett told Checkley that he had deliberately placed himself in positions where he could have committed further sexual offences. For his actions in Kenilworth and Gateshead, Checkley was jailed for 16 months. The judge dismissed claims from the defence that he was “under pressure” from the job centre to take the role, noting that he had involved himself in an organised children’s function despite knowing he was legally barred from doing so.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Robert Checkley as of late 2019 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 16 months (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Lifetime ban on paid or voluntary work involving minors remains in force.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court following investigations by Warwickshire and Northumbria Police.
- Criminal Record: Making indecent images; Breach of SHPO (2 counts); Breach of notification requirements.
- Origin: Cramlington, Northumberland (Offences committed in Kenilworth, Warwickshire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Checkley is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the Northumbria area. Due to the nature of his conduct in Kenilworth, which involved “vicious” deception of employers to gain access to a children’s festive event, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his history of fleeing between regions and failing to notify police of his whereabouts requires the most intensive, 24-hour monitoring by the Public Protection Unit.
As a registered sex offender for life, Checkley’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his predatory behaviour in Warwickshire and Gateshead demonstrated a total disregard for the safety of the public. Any future attempt to seek employment without disclosure, approach children’s events, or move without police notification will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and to uphold the protection of children from a confirmed offender who has proven he will go to any lengths to hide his past.
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