**Convicted Rapist Kiron Chand Used Undisclosed Passport for Overseas Travel, Court Hears**
A registered sex offender from Carmarthenshire has been branded “deceitful and dishonest” by a judge after he repeatedly flouted the law by travelling abroad under a secret identity and failing to disclose crucial information to the police. Kiron Chand, aged 36, appeared before Swansea Crown Court this week, where disturbing details emerged about his history of ignoring court orders and evading monitoring requirements.
Under the terms of the sex offenders register, Chand was legally compelled to notify the police regarding any passports or bank accounts he owned, and to inform them in advance of any intention to travel internationally. The rules form part of strict oversight placed on offenders following release, with the aim of safeguarding the public and ensuring compliance with legal stipulations.
However, the court was told that Chand had travelled to India earlier this year, doing so under the name ‘Bidal Chand’—an alias that raised eyebrows among law enforcement officers when flagged by the UK Border Force on his return to the UK. This revelation prompted an urgent investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police, who were already wary due to Chand’s prior denials about possessing a passport when questioned about potential travel to France in 2018.
Upon further inquiry, authorities uncovered that Chand had actually been issued a passport as far back as April 2017—a document he had never declared. Prosecutors detailed how he had also opened two undisclosed bank accounts with Monzo and Revolut, adding to a growing list of notification breaches since his conviction.
Chand’s criminal record dates back to 2009, when he was found guilty of a serious sexual assault in Llanelli town centre. During the original offence, witnesses testified that he had harassed a woman, ultimately resorting to violence before committing an assault. He was sentenced to eight years in a young offenders institution and placed on the sex offenders register, facing ongoing monitoring and restrictions upon release.
The defendant’s case illustrates the considerable challenges faced by authorities tasked with supervising high-risk offenders in the community. Despite clear requirements, Chand repeatedly failed to keep the police informed and only admitted his omissions after being confronted. When questioned, Chand claimed that the lapses resulted from stress associated with launching a new solar energy business, which required him to travel abroad and create new bank accounts. His legal representative, Sarah John, argued that these pressures had caused him to “overlook” his notification obligations.
But Judge Huw Rees was unimpressed by the explanation, stating that he wholly rejected the suggestion Chand had simply forgotten his legal duties. The judge pointed out a pattern of non-compliance extending beyond this incident, including previous breaches of community orders, referral orders, and even a suspended prison sentence for similar violations in 2021. He referenced a Probation Service report that described Chand as “arrogant and deceitful”, and highlighted the difficulties the service faced in managing him due to his persistent reluctance to abide by supervision conditions.
Addressing the defendant directly, Judge Rees warned, “If you think you are above the law, let me disabuse you of that view straight away.” He ultimately imposed a custodial sentence of 16 months but decided, with considerable reluctance, to suspend it for 18 months—citing concern for Chand’s family rather than the defendant himself. Chand was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete a rehabilitation course, in addition to wearing a GPS tracking tag for four months that will monitor his movements.
This outcome highlights the delicate balance courts must strike between public protection and offering offenders opportunities for rehabilitation. The judge made clear that any future breaches would almost certainly lead to prison sentences measured in years, sending a firm message about the consequences of flouting court-ordered requirements.
Kiron Chand’s case is a stark reminder of ongoing challenges within the criminal justice system: monitoring offenders in the community, enforcing court orders and protecting public safety. As with many such cases, the story serves to prompt broader reflection on how best to manage the risks posed by individuals with a proven propensity for evading the law.