Man jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order

A registered sex offender from Wotton-Under-Edge has been jailed for multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and for breaching a Restraining Order against a vulnerable woman.

Glenn Richards, aged 48, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday (3 July) after previously pleading guilty to five counts of breaching the requirements of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and breaching a Restraining Order.

The court heard how the case against Richards centred around his use of multiple internet-enabled devices and use of social media platforms and chat rooms, which was in contravention of his SHPO.

Richards had used to the devices to contact and groom vulnerable females, including children.

The court also heard how Richards had breached a restraining order by communicating with a vulnerable woman via Whatsapp and video messages.

Prior to being sentenced, the court heard a statement written by the woman which explained the impact of Richards' actions: “Glenn has caused me significant emotional harm. He made me believe I could trust him, only for the trust to be abused. He also assaulted me.

“At the time I did not understand that that I was being groomed by Glenn. It was only later that I recognised the extent of his manipulation and the impact it had on me. For a time, Glenn put himself in a position where he was the only person I could trust, so I turned to him when I was upset or needed help.

“As a result of Glenn's actions, I have experienced fear, anxiety, and a constant sense of unease. I often feel as though I have to look over my shoulder, worrying about what might happen to me next or to others.”

Judge Lawrie KC handed Richards a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the SHPO breaches and a 12-month sentence for the breach of restraining order. These will run consecutively. 

Gloucestershire Constabulary's Head of Public Protection, Detective Superintendent Sue Fereday said: “Richards is a dangerous predator who is now behind bars, where he belongs.

"He is a manipulative man who has shown a complete disregard for the numerous court orders that have been served on him.

"We are determined to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society from offenders like Richards and we will not hesitate to pursue offenders who breach the terms of their Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and bring them to justice. 

"The whole Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team has worked hard throughout this investigation to uncover those lies and bring a dangerous registered sex offender to justice."

GLENN RICHARDS