A registered sex offender, previously banned from using certain mobile applications, has been exposed for communicating with a young teenager online. Andrew Thornton, aged 56, came to the attention of the authorities when it emerged he was messaging a 14-year-old girl, in direct breach of a court order designed to limit his access to children. The discovery was made during a routine check carried out by probation officers as part of the ongoing monitoring of his activities.
Thornton, who resides on Lakeview Close in Porthcawl, had earlier been convicted in 2021 for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a young person. That conviction resulted in a three-year community order and, crucially, the imposition of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), restricting his ability to use a range of digital platforms and explicitly forbidding any form of communication with individuals under the age of 16. The order also enabled probation services to keep a close watch over his digital behaviour and travel intentions.
Matters came to a head when Thornton submitted paperwork to probation, seeking permission to travel. During this process, officers took the opportunity to examine his mobile phone. They discovered that Thornton had downloaded and used Zangi, an encrypted messaging app known for its security features which complicate law enforcement’s attempts at supervision. In addition, officers also found the Telegram messaging app and evidence of Airbnb bookings made through his device.
A subsequent search of the defendant’s home prompted further concerns. Two additional mobile phones—neither of which had been reported to the authorities as required by his SHPO—were located. Data obtained from one of these devices showed clear evidence that it had been used to communicate directly with a 14-year-old girl, further compounding the seriousness of the breach.
Perhaps even more troubling was the discovery of a pair of children’s underwear, sized for those aged 12 to 14, during the property search. When questioned, Thornton was unable to provide any satisfactory explanation as to why he was in possession of such items, deepening the suspicions of law enforcement and the courts.
Thornton appeared before Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday. Prosecutor Pamela Kaiga outlined the facts of the case, confirming Thornton’s previous criminal history—totalling five convictions and including the particularly relevant offence from 2021. She emphasised how his actions were a clear and flagrant violation of the court’s protective order.
In his defence, barrister Giles Hayes stressed that his client had been living alone and working as a delivery driver. He noted that Thornton had remained in regular contact with the probation service, arguing that there was still a reasonable possibility of his rehabilitation if the correct measures and oversight were put in place.
In delivering his judgement, Judge Jeremy Jenkins handed Thornton an 18-month prison term, which was suspended for two years on the condition that he comply fully with a series of requirements. Thornton must also complete a two-year community order, participate in a 15-day rehabilitation programme, submit to electronic trail monitoring for six months, and perform 120 hours of unpaid community work. The court further ordered him to pay £150 in costs.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities tasked with managing and monitoring sex offenders in the community. Despite established legal restrictions and technological oversight, offenders continue to exploit emerging encryption methods and digital platforms as a means of sidestepping detection. Such incidents inevitably spark debate over the adequacy of current monitoring systems and raise serious questions about the efficacy of existing preventative measures.
The criminal justice system continues to grapple with balancing supervision, rehabilitation, and public safety. Cases like Thornton’s underline the need for vigilance and robust enforcement of court orders as society adapts to rapidly evolving forms of communication technology.