Sex offender spared jail (From Watford Observer)

Richard Ford of New Road, Croxley Green, spared jail

10:00am Saturday 12th January 2013 in News By Frazer Ansell

A sex offender who was banned from having "one-night-stands" because of his violent history towards women has been spared jail after making good progress with his probation officers.

When he was convicted on July 13 last year Richard Ford, 41, was told by Judge John Plumstead that he must refuse any "offers on a plate" as unsuspecting women would not be aware of his background.

The restrictions on his future relationships were put in place when Ford appeared in St Albans crown court to admit to failing to notify police of a change of address, having been placed on the sex offenders' register and while subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Ford, of New Road, Croxley Green, had also broken a restraining order. Sentence was deferred for six months back in July.

Today Judge Plumstead was told by prosecutor Laura Blackband, that since then Ford had missed only one of 31 appointments with probation officers.

His lawyer Nick De Freitas said Ford had heeded the judge's words. He had obtained a full time job with the delivery firm Yodel until mid December, but had been off with ill health. He has been told he can return to his work when he is recovered.

Judge Plumstead told Ford him: "You have behaved yourself since the sentence was deferred." He passed an 18 month jail sentence suspended for two years.