Convicted sex offender Danny Samworth has order banning contact with children lifted
by Keith Hunt
A father jailed for sex offences almost seven years ago has had
an order lifted which will allow him more contact with
children.
An indefinite sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) was
imposed when Danny Samworth was sentenced to 18 months with
extended licence in November 2006 for gross indecency with
boys.
The order banned him from having unsupervised contact with
children.
But the 37-year-old demolition worker, of Hazlemere Drive,
Gillingham, successfully applied to a judge this week to have it
lifted.
Supported by his wife Tracey, 29, he told Judge Philip Statman
at Maidstone Crown Court he still denied the offences and the order
was having an adverse impact on his life.
"I've lived the last 10 years as a guilty person and I have
stuck to every rule that's been given to me by every single
authority," he said. "I've never given anybody cause for
concern."
Jonathan Dixey, prosecuting, said the order had "stopped risky
situations from arising, namely unsupervised contact with children
at his home address."
But John Causer, defending, said Samworth had done everything he
could to co-operate, adding: "If Mr Samworth can't succeed in this
order then no-one can."
Judge Statman said four years had elapsed since Samworth's
licence expired and a probation officer had stated he had fully
complied with conditions.
His lawyer had submitted he was now fully rehabilitated. There
was no suggestion he had continued to use Class A drugs.
"It is submitted that a SOPO is not meant to be punitive," said
the judge.
"It offers protection particularly to children in the community.
It is submitted he no longer poses a risk of harm.
"I am unhesitatingly, having heard the submissions, of the view
that this order ought now to be lifted. That is the direction I
make."
Judge Statman told Samworth: "You will appreciate that having
been to prison and trying to conduct a law-abiding life, how
important children are within the community.
"Just a gentle word of caution, you will appreciate just how
powerful a sentence of the court can be should there be any other
matter that comes before the court. I am confident that won't
occur."
Samworth replied: "It won't, your Honour."
06/03/13
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