Convicted Sex Offender Imprisoned for Violating Prevention Order

Sean Royle, a 38-year-old resident of Claremont Road, Maidstone, a convicted sex offender, has received a prison sentence for disregarding court-mandated measures designed to prevent reoffending. According to Kent Police, Royle violated a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by secretly using a mobile phone in an attempt to groom a 13-year-old girl. Police investigations in July 2023 confirmed that Royle was involved in a relationship with a child. Royle utilized a Snapchat account on a separate phone to communicate with a 13-year-old girl, an action that constituted a breach of a prior SHPO issued to him. He requested the girl to be his girlfriend and transmitted an image to her depicting his face and naked upper torso, which featured a distinctive tattoo. The victim subsequently informed her father, who then contacted law enforcement. His arrest occurred on November 29, 2023, at which time officers successfully located and confiscated the phone. Analysis of the device revealed nearly 200 illegal videos and images, with a significant number depicting the sexual abuse of unknown children. Royle faced charges for numerous offenses, including engaging in sexual communication with a child, multiple violations of a sexual harm prevention order, and the creation of indecent images of children. Royle entered a guilty plea, and on November 21, he received a sentence at Maidstone Crown Court of three years and eight months in prison. He was also made subject to a new ten-year SHPO. PC Dan McNary stated: “He has been unable to adhere to these restrictions and has demonstrated a clear determination to access the internet, in order to contact and abuse children.”