Essex child sex offender jailed after breaching court order and reoffending online
Lee Arthurs sentenced to five years after police uncovered further offences involving inappropriate online communication with children
A man has been sent back to prison after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and committing further offences involving online activity.
Lee Arthurs was arrested in Essex while subject to strict court-imposed restrictions governing his internet use and behaviour.
In March, while staying in Colchester, he used online chat platforms in breach of his order and attempted to engage in inappropriate communication with children.
Following his arrest, police examined his electronic devices and found additional concerning messages and illegal images.
Arthurs, from Silk Street in Ipswich, admitted a series of offences including breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and related online crime charges.
He was recalled to prison and later appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he was sentenced in June to five years imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Gavin Tuck said:
"Arthurs showed an absolute disregard of the law and started re-offending when he was released from prison.
His abhorrent crimes were identified by specialist teams and he was detained. He poses a significant threat to children, and it is right that he is now behind bars for a significant time.
Protecting children from these types of offenders is a priority for us at Essex Police. We continue to be vigilant, rigorously monitor those on licence, and will act swiftly."