A convicted sex offender from Medway has been jailed for three years after breaching the strict terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed following a previous conviction.
Ian Collard, 34, formerly of Station Road, Gillingham, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 14 March after pleading guilty to seven breaches of his SHPO and three breaches of the Sex Offenders’ Notification Requirements.
Prohibited Internet Activity Uncovered
Collard was originally handed the court order in 2018, after pleading guilty to attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity. The SHPO included strict internet access conditions, prohibiting him from:
- Using social media or dating platforms
- Downloading apps that delete messages or disguise communications
- Accessing the internet without notifying authorities
- Failing to make his devices available for police inspection
However, a routine check by Kent Police revealed that Collard had downloaded banned apps — including Snapchat — and was using multiple aliases on various dating apps and websites, in direct violation of his court-imposed restrictions.
Swift Arrest and Court Proceedings
Collard was arrested on 17 May 2024, with officers charging him on the same day. His guilty plea led to a custodial sentence handed down last week, reflecting the serious nature of his repeated non-compliance.
Police: ‘We Will Not Tolerate Breaches’
PC Leona Valsler, speaking on behalf of Kent Police, said:
“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are put in place so that vulnerable people can be protected from predatory behaviour by criminals such as Collard.
Collard ignored the conditions placed upon him and persisted in attempting to use social media as a way to make contact with potential victims.
I’m pleased he has received a custodial sentence and hope it serves as a reminder that our investigators—who regularly carry out checks on convicted offenders—will hunt down anyone who breaches legislation and bring them before the courts to face justice.”
Protecting Communities
Kent Police reiterated their commitment to monitoring known offenders, ensuring SHPO conditions are strictly followed to safeguard the public. Officers continue to conduct routine checks and device inspections as part of ongoing community protection efforts.
Anyone with concerns about suspicious or inappropriate online activity is urged to report it to police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
