A convicted sex offender from Maidstone has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for repeatedly breaching a court order designed to curb his behaviour.
Owen Payne’s Breaches and Offences
Owen Payne, 24, had previously received a suspended prison sentence for attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which required him to notify police of any internet-enabled devices he had access to.
However, during a routine check of his home in Cornwallis Avenue in September 2024, police patrols found:
- Three mobile phones
- A tablet
- A gaming device
- A computer
- 16 online aliases
None of these devices or online identities had been reported to police, violating the conditions of his SHPO.
Weapons Seized at Payne’s Home
Further searches of his home led to the discovery and seizure of nine bladed weapons, including knives and swords.
Payne was subsequently charged with multiple offences, including:
- Breaching a SHPO
- Failing to comply with notification requirements
- Possessing illegal weapons in a private place
He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on February 4, 2025.
Police Statement
Investigating Officer Mark Deacon condemned Payne’s actions, stating:
“Owen Payne had already been convicted of sexual offences, and rather than change his ways, he chose to continue offending by breaching the conditions of his court order.
“Not only did Payne think he could evade capture by failing to notify police of seven internet-enabled devices and 16 online usernames, but he also thought himself above the law when it came to owning numerous illegal weapons.”
“Payne has proven himself to be a calculating and dangerous sexual offender, who has been rightly handed a custodial sentence for his crimes.”
Keeping the Community Safe
Authorities continue to monitor convicted sex offenders to ensure compliance with court orders. Anyone with concerns about online safety or suspicious behaviour is urged to contact police on 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
