A convicted sex offender living near Snodland has been jailed for three years after police monitoring software alerted authorities to his repeated access of illegal images of children.
Richard Faulkner, 70, was under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibited him from using any internet-enabled device unless equipped with police-approved web monitoring software.
However, he was caught breaching these restrictions and attempting to hide his online activity.
How Police Discovered the Offences
Faulkner had been placed under the SHPO in January 2024 following previous convictions related to indecent images.
Despite this, on August 26, 2024, Kent Police received an alert from the monitoring software installed on his computer, showing that he was accessing illegal content again.
A police search of his home, near High Street, Wouldham, led to the seizure of:
✔ His registered computer
✔ Multiple unregistered devices, which he had failed to disclose as required under his SHPO
Forensic Examination Exposes Lies
In his initial police interview, Faulkner denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had no sexual interest in children and had no idea how the images appeared on his devices.
However, forensic analysis of his computer and a hidden hard drive revealed:
- Hundreds of thousands of illegal images
- More than 160 photos and videos in the most severe category, depicting appalling child abuse
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Faulkner pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to:
✔ Making indecent images of children
✔ Breaching the SHPO
✔ Failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements, as he had not registered multiple bank and credit cards with police
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Faulkner was sentenced to three years in prison, which included the activation of a previously suspended sentence.
Police Warning to Offenders
Sergeant Steph Kirkin of Kent Police condemned Faulkner’s attempts to bypass monitoring systems, stating:
“Faulkner had been the subject of strict measures designed to reduce the risk of him reoffending. He attempted to manipulate the monitoring software placed on his computer, in attempts to disguise the fact he was frequently seeking access to disturbing and harmful images, many of which include the horrific abuse of children.”
She reassured the public that police will rigorously enforce SHPOs:
“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are passed by the courts to help protect children, and as this case shows, we will do everything we can to ensure those who ignore them face the consequences of their actions.”
Protecting the Public
This case highlights how police technology is being used to monitor and track high-risk sex offenders and hold them accountable.
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to online child exploitation by contacting:
? 101 for non-emergency reports
? Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
? 999 in an emergency
Faulkner is now serving his sentence, but police continue to monitor other offenders under SHPO restrictions, ensuring they do not reoffend.
