A Swindon man has been jailed for more than three years after repeatedly breaching a court-imposed Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), with local officers praising the public for their role in bringing him to justice.
Alistair Eccleston, 26, of Welcombe Avenue, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday (10th July), where he admitted five breaches of the SHPO, with a further ten offences taken into consideration. His breaches included being in the company of a child under the age of 16 and making contact with a minor, both of which were in direct violation of the court order.
SHPOs are designed to protect the public from individuals deemed to pose a risk of sexual harm. While typically issued to convicted sex offenders, they can also apply to individuals whose behaviour is judged to present a significant threat, even if no formal conviction has taken place.
Eccleston’s order was first put in place in 2021. Despite knowing the conditions, he repeatedly ignored them.
Following sentencing, which resulted in a term of three years and four months, Swindon-based Sergeant Scott Young welcomed the outcome and extended his thanks to the members of the public who came forward during the investigation.
“Eccleston is a clear danger to the public who has consistently breached the SHPO put upon him,” he said. “Despite being well aware of the conditions imposed, Eccleston repeatedly broke them. These are serious offences, and I’m pleased the court has seen fit to give him a custodial sentence.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward to assist with this case. We rely hugely on the public’s support and their contribution has helped to put a prolific offender behind bars.”
Officers have reiterated that any concerns about potential SHPO breaches or suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately to ensure swift action can be taken.
