In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Warren Bernard, 28, was returned to prison for breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) just weeks after his release. On appearing at Burnley Crown Court in 2019, the defendant, formerly of Islington, Liverpool, and later residing at a hostel in Accrington, Lancashire, was sentenced for using the internet to target children. It was reported that Bernard had originally been jailed for eight years in 2015 for exploiting social media to lure five girls into sexual activity and prostitution.
The investigation established that Bernard resumed his predatory behavior almost immediately upon leaving custody. Lancashire Police reported that despite being banned from using the internet under a strict SHPO, Bernard set up a KIK messenger account on 29 April 2019—exactly four weeks after his release. The investigation revealed he used the aliases ScouseJamie and JamieL to communicate sexual interest in children and sent a naked photograph to an undercover officer posing as an adult with similar interests.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Bernard utilized deceptive tactics to hide his digital activity from the authorities. Burnley Crown Court heard how Bernard presented a basic mobile phone to officers at Highfield House hostel in Accrington, claiming he had no social media presence. However, a raid on his room in Lydia Street in July 2019 uncovered an iPhone 6, an Amazon Firestick, and evidence of a second iPhone 7 linked to his Google account. The investigation established that while Bernard told probation officers what they wanted to hear, he was actively seeking new victims behind their backs.
Judge Beverley Lunt noted that Bernard had returned to the same methods of exploitation he used during his original Liverpool case. For his actions in Accrington, Bernard pleaded guilty to five breaches of his SHPO and failing to comply with notification requirements. The judge noted the rapid nature of his re-offending and sentenced him to 32 months for the breaches. Consequently, Bernard was recalled to prison to serve the remainder of his original eight-year term, meaning he will remain in custody until his full sentence expires.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Warren Bernard is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 32 months (2019), running concurrently with a recall to serve his original 8-year sentence.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Indefinite, with a total ban on unmonitored internet use and social media.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Burnley Crown Court following a Lancashire Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual activity with a child; Prostitution of a minor; Grooming; Breach of SHPO (multiple counts).
- Origin: Islington, Liverpool (Current: Accrington, Lancashire).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Bernard is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the prison service. Due to the nature of his conduct in Liverpool and Accrington, which involved the expert use of technology to facilitate child prostitution and grooming, his management is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that his return to prison and his life-long inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register are essential to prevent him from further utilizing social media platforms to hunt for vulnerable minors.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Bernard must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of immediate re-offending and his “perverted” interest in targeting children in the North West necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to access unmonitored devices, set up secret social media profiles, or contact minors will result in immediate arrest and further incarceration.
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