October 2020

Convicted sex offender set up fake Facebook profile to contact victim he repeatedly molested

A sex offender is back behind bars after contacting the man who he repeatedly molested while he was sleeping or drunk.

Jonathan Wright was sentenced to three years in prison in February, last year, after he took advantage of the victim – then put photos of his crimes online.

But within days of his release in July, the 30-year-old activated a fake Facebook profile to speak to the man.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, did not know it was Wright as he was using a false name.

Wright referred to him as “bae” and told him he loved him, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Phillip Morley told how Wright was given a sexual harm prevention order which strictly prohibited him from contacting the male victim.

He outlined that the offender was released from prison on July 31 then started communication on August 12.

Mr Morley said: “The defendant obtained a mobile phone, capable of accessing the internet, and on August 12 failed to inform DC Andrews that he had reactivated a Facebook profile under the name of Jake Fletcher.

“He also failed to notify police he was using this name.”

Then on August 15, Wright made contact with the victim using the fake Facebook profile and engaged in conversation.

Mr Morley added: “The conversation was not overtly sexual.

“However, he makes reference that he ‘loves him’, puts kisses in some messages and refers to him as ‘bae’.”

The victim then realised the true sender of the messages and contacted police.

Wright was arrested and confirmed he was aware of the order and set up the false Facebook account before going to prision.

Mr Morely told how the victim was “shocked” and wanted Wright to “leave him alone to get on with his life”.

Wright, of of Middlesbrough Road, South Bank, admitted two breaches of sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with a notification requirement.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court, on Tuesday, via videolink from HMP Durham after being recalled to serve the rest of his sentence

Paul Green, mitigating, said he will remain behind bars until January 31, 2022.

Judge Paul Watson QC said no sentence he could impose would extend the terms of his sentence.

He jailed wright for 14 months.