Newport Man Breached Sexual Harm Prevention Order

A Newport man breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by using a pseudonym to access social media.

Louis Beagen, 28, of Ennerdale Court, Old Barn Estate, admitted breaching the order when he appeared at Newport (South Wales) Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 30th December 2021.

Breaching an SHPO is an offence under section 103I of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 5 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

In 2014 Beagen was jailed for 6 years 4 months for rape, three counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. All of the offences were in relation to girls under the age of 16.

In 2018 he was jailed for a further 18 months and made subject to a 10 year SHPO when two "paedophile hunter" groups, Guardians of the North and Dark Justice, snared him engaging in sexual conversation with what he believed to be 13 and 14-year-old girls. Beagen had used his father's devices and social media accounts for the commission of the offences.

At the start of 2021 he was jailed for 2 years for multiple offences of breaching his SHPO and failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders register. In relation to the SHPO breaches, he used a pseudonym to access social media and make contact with several women.

In his most recent offence, which has clearly been committed not long after his release from custody, Beagen again used a pseudonym, Gareth Beagan, to make contact with a Newport woman via social media.

He disclosed in conversation that he had attended Hartridge High School in the city and sent her photographs of himself which she recognised from somewhere.

The woman did some research and came across an article on the South Wales Argus website about Beagen's 2018 conviction. She contacted the police to report concerns about his continued use of a pseudonym on social media. Beagen was arrested.

Mr Cook said: "The defendant told officers, 'This was a blip. I apologise for making this mistake again. I have let myself down.'

He added: "I would say this was a deliberate breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order although it was short in duration."

Given the severity of the offence Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Newport Crown Court for sentencing.

Beagan was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing on Thursday, 13th January 2022.

This is clearly a very, very dangerous offender who has no regard for orders of the court. A few years in custody should help curb his predatory behaviour, at least for a while.