Last week, Gadd was caught on camera trying to access the Dark Web on a smartphone. The Dark Web is notorious for hiding search history and allowing access to illegal content.
Smartphone Access Ends in Licence Revocation
While staying at a hostel, Gadd was given a smartphone with strict conditions for monitoring. He was supposed to be a resident under GPS tag supervision for three months. Instead, he was filmed chatting about “Dark Web” software with another resident while using the phone. His Probation Offender Manager acted fast, revoking his licence after consulting senior probation officers. This means Gadd’s permission to live in the community has been stripped away.
Back Behind Bars for 8 Years
Gadd has been slapped with a standard recall, which could see him serve the remaining eight years of his sentence inside. Some offenders only face short fixed-term recalls, but not Gadd.
Parole Board Could Free Him By Easter
Gadd now has 10 working days to submit his defence after receiving his recall dossier. His case must be sent to the Parole Board within 28 days of his return to custody. If the board overturns the recall, Gadd could be back on the streets by Easter Sunday (9th April).
The Parole Board has several options:
- Order direct release
- Set a release date within one year
- Make no release direction
- Schedule an oral hearing to decide on release
Release will only happen if the board believes Gadd’s risk of re-offending can be safely managed in the community. If denied, Gadd gets an annual parole review no later than 12 months after the last.
Probation Service: Public Safety Comes First
“Protecting the public is our number one priority. That’s why we set tough licence conditions and when offenders breach them, we don’t hesitate to return them to custody.”
