A registered sex offender has been jailed after approaching two young girls and asking a sexually explicit question near Bath.
David Blackwood admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child, failing to comply with the requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The 58-year-old, of Trinity Road, Combe Down, was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 3 March.
The defendant received an immediate 12-month prison sentence. He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next 10 years.
The offence happened on the afternoon of Wednesday 4 February.
Blackwood approached the two girls as they walked home from school and asked a question which was sexually explicit in nature before running off.
The mother of one of the victims reported the incident to police.
Following an investigation led by acting Sergeant Cox and PCs McFarlane, Osborne and Bush from the Bath Outers Neighbourhood Team, Blackwood was arrested, charged and remanded in custody on Wednesday 11 February.
When he was arrested, officers discovered he had failed to register a new bank card in his possession, breaching existing supervision requirements.
Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Dudley Bond said: “This is an appalling incident involving two children, who bravely did the right thing by telling a responsible adult about what they experienced which was therefore reported to us.
“Our neighbourhood officers carried out a thorough investigation, which has resulted in a custodial sentence which will prevent harm to further young people in our community.
“We want to reassure victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. Reporting abuse is incredibly difficult, but nobody must face it alone.
“If you are worried about your safety, or the safety of a child, please reach out. We have dedicated teams who will act swiftly to protect you.”
