A Trowbridge man has been slapped with a sexual risk order after he told the police that he was attracted to children.
Timothy Carr, 55, was arrested when his mother contacted Wiltshire Police after her son made a concerning admission – telling her he had been accessing indecent images of children.
Prosecutor Mr Matthews, appearing for the police, told Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (17 February) that following his arrest, he “disclosed a sexual interest in children” during a custody interview.
The defendant, who lives with his mother in Charlotte Square, also said he knew that it was wrong and said he would “try not to do it again”.
Police seized his devices, but a search turned up no evidence of indecent images – despite his admissions. Due to this, a prosecution was not brought.
However, a sexual risk order was sought by the force. It prohibits him from doing various things including having unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 16.
It also prohibits him from having a device with internet access, image storing abilities or cloud storage unless it has been declared to police and he must not withhold any device if they are requested for inspection by the police or other official.
Mr Matthews asked for an additional term to be added to the order – which prohibits him from attending or loitering outside premises intended for the use of children under the age of 16 – including schools and nurseries.
“He recognises he cannot act on his urges”, Mr Matthews said.
Adding: “The police take a view that his risk to children is so great that this order risk necessary to protect them from risk of harm.”
Carr’s solicitor Terry McCarthy said his client has “cognitive deficiencies”, but does not fit the criteria for learning difficulties and understands right from wrong.
He said the defendant understands a breach of the order is wrong and could result in a prison sentence.
Magistrates granted the order for two years, confirming that Wiltshire Police can apply to have it extended at the end of that period if they wish.
