**Serial Sex Offender in Swansea Caught Violating Park Ban Mere Days After Prison Release**
A Swansea man subject to a lifetime ban from public parks has once again landed before the courts after being spotted seated in a local park, while children played nearby. Tyrone Harding, 46, has been persistently breaching court-imposed conditions designed to restrict his access to locations frequented by children, drawing increasing concern from both authorities and the wider community.
The latest incident came to light when an off-duty detective, out walking his dog in Brynmill Park, noticed Harding on a bench near a kiosk and community centre. According to proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, this occurred just days after Harding’s release from prison, following his previous conviction for breaching similar restrictions.
The defendant, who has a significant history of sexual offences stretching back nearly a decade, has repeatedly ignored strict conditions attached to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) placed upon him in 2018. This order, which remains active for life, specifically forbids Harding from entering any public parks or recreational areas within Swansea. The imposition followed an incident in Hafod Park where Harding exposed himself to girls and made inappropriate requests, resulting in a custodial sentence and the SHPO.
Prosecutors outlined that after Harding’s most recent release from HMP Usk earlier this May, he failed to notify authorities of his address as required under the sex offenders register—a further breach of mandated conditions that left his whereabouts unknown. It was during this period of non-compliance that the off-duty officer, already acquainted with Harding’s background, spotted him in the busy park. The officer promptly contacted emergency services, but Harding departed the scene before their arrival. Police were able to locate and arrest him shortly after on Sketty Road.
Throughout the police interview, Harding maintained a “no comment” stance. He declined to attend court for his sentencing, much as he had absented himself from an earlier appearance in June. The presiding judge, Paul Thomas KC, stated unequivocally that Harding’s repeated disdain for the justice system would factor into the sentencing decision.
The court was informed that Harding, formerly of Jeffrey’s Court, Penlan, but now homeless, carries an extensive criminal history. Since 1998, he has amassed 16 convictions for a total of 33 offences, including several instances of indecent exposure in public areas, many of which were near parks or schools. His patterns of non-compliance with judicial orders have also seen him breach the sex offenders register multiple times between 2020 and 2024, repeatedly disappearing from supervised accommodation or turning off his monitoring devices.
Representing Harding, Dan Griffiths acknowledged the defendant’s intelligence and awareness of the restrictions he faces. Nevertheless, Griffiths pointed to a recurrent cycle of homelessness and reoffending, suggesting the lack of community support had contributed to Harding’s inability to break the pattern. Harding, it was claimed, had only visited the park to use the toilet facilities, according to instructions relayed at an earlier magistrates’ court hearing.
During sentencing, Judge Thomas described Harding’s actions as “an utter determination” to flout the law. He told the court that such persistent breaches would be dealt with harshly to reflect the risk posed to the public, notably children. Given Harding’s guilty pleas, he received a reduced sentence of 16 months imprisonment. As per standard procedure, he will serve up to half this term in custody, with the remainder fulfilled on licence in the community.
The case has underscored broader questions regarding the management of high-risk offenders upon release and the adequacy of community resources to aid their reintegration while safeguarding the public. Swansea Council and South Wales Police have yet to comment on whether changes will be made to address the recurring breaches.
Harding’s repeated disregard for restrictions placed upon him continues to challenge local authorities, further fuelling public discourse on how best to protect vulnerable community members—especially children—from those with persistent histories of sexual offending.