A convicted paedophile has been handed another prison sentence — this time for making internet searches showing a worrying interest in young children.
Christopher Kershaw, now aged 67, was jailed for nine years in 2017 for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl. Kershaw was convicted by a jury of the offence, which occurred at the start of that decade in South Cumbria.
He was also made subject to the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposed to keep a tight rein on his internet use. One condition prohibited online search or browsing history.
After being released from custody on licence, Kershaw, of George Street, Whitehaven, was monitored by an offender manager and probation office staff but received a written warning after he was visited and found in possession of an internet-enabled mobile phone. Analysis showed there were searches indicating an interest in “teen girls”.
Further software was installed on the phone. But just before Christmas, acting on information received, a detective paid another visit and when Kershaw’s device was examined it emerged further searches had been made which indicated an interest in young children.
Kershaw — since recalled to prison on licence to serve the remainder of his original sentence — admitted a breach of the SHPO. The court heard he was “terrified” by his interest in children, that he believed he had suffered brain damage around a decade ago, and that he had other convictions for child sex crimes.
Passing sentence at Carlisle Crown Court for the 2021 breach, Judge Richard Archer referred to the subject of it being “very close, if not in fact, indecent imagery of a child”. Referencing Kershaw’s concerning past criminal conduct as he imposed a 10-month jail term, Judge Archer concluded: “It seems to me you are just not manageable in the community.”
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