A local man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after violating a sexual harm prevention order.

As reported by the Powys County Times, Callum Abbott appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, August 29 in relation to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He admitted breaching his SHPO as he was discovered in the company of a young child at the Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve in Newtown at 9:45pm on 3rd August 2023.

Prosecutor Craig Jones detailed how Abbott was found hiding in a tent and attempted to conceal his true identity by providing a fake name. Jones also mentioned that the defendant attempted to flee from the officers before ultimately being apprehended. During the court proceedings, Freddie Lewendon, representing Abbott, expressed his client's remorse for his actions and acknowledged the presence of Abbott's complex mental health issues and struggles with substance abuse.

In response, Judge Rees sentenced Abbott to a total of 20 months in jail but decided to suspend the prison term for a period of two years. The judge also revoked Abbott's previous community order from August last year and instead resentenced him to a two-year community order.

This new order includes mandatory participation in the Horizon program, 25 rehabilitation days, nine months of drug rehabilitation, and monthly drug testing. 

Mr Abbott was subject to a SHPO after be admitted engaging in non-penterative sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl in Warrington. The existing SHPO will continue to remain in effect.