A sex offender has been found to have deleted online conversations of a sexual nature with numerous women in Kenya before authorities could inspect his phone, a court in Swansea has heard. Mark Bell, who also removed a dating app from his device that he had not disclosed to his probation officer, tried to conceal his activities. Monitoring software installed on Bell’s phone alerted the police about his alarming online behaviour. The 41-year-old had previously been given a suspended prison sentence and a sexual harm prevention order after attempting sexual communications with a child. Part of the order prohibited him from erasing his internet search history and required him to have monitoring software on his phone.
Prosecutor Ieuan Rees revealed that police received alerts from the monitoring software indicating concerning images and online activities by Bell. It was noted that Bell was engaging in sexual conversations and exchanging explicit photos with numerous women in Kenya through the Hi5 dating app and WhatsApp. Despite multiple attempts by the police to contact him at home, it was only when they met him at his probation officer’s office in Llanelli that he surrendered his phone. However, Bell falsely claimed to have only used Facebook for social media. Upon inspecting his phone, authorities discovered the dating app and chat history with Kenyan women had been deleted. The court was informed that Bell had not informed his probation officer about his dating app use.
Bell, residing in Llanelli, admitted breaching the sexual harm prevention order and faced sentencing. His defence lawyer, Harry Dickens, acknowledged Bell’s mistake and highlighted his compliance with the assigned interventions, community work, and employment prospects. Judge Paul Thomas KC questioned Bell’s actions, pointing out the arrogance behind his breach rather than mere stupidity. The judge decided to give Bell another chance, cautioning him that further violations would lead to imprisonment. Bell received a suspended eight-month prison sentence, 50 hours of unpaid work, and a rehabilitation program. Additionally, an extra 50 hours of unpaid work were added for breaching the suspended sentence.
Reflecting on the latest crime reports, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to court orders and maintaining transparency with probation requirements. Bell’s disregard for the restrictions placed upon him underscores the need for consistent monitoring of sex offenders to ensure community safety. As Bell narrowly avoids imprisonment, the judge’s leniency offers him a final opportunity to reform his behaviour and adhere to the terms of his prevention order. The consequences of breaching such orders are severe, and it is vital for offenders to recognise the gravity of their actions and the repercussions of non-compliance.