Convicted County Durham sex offender back in court

Aiden Ward was initially arrested in August when he arranged to meet a young girl for sex, only to be confronted by members of an online paedophile hunting group.

The 22-year-old was given a suspended sentence at Durham Crown Court last month but was arrested again within weeks for breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard Ward told his probation worker that he was frustrated that he didn’t have access to his mobile phone and was wanting book a holiday to Thailand.

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Concerns were raised about the County Durham defendant’s online activities and police carried out a search of his digital devices.

Ward, of Ash Grove, Consett, pleaded guilty to seven breaches of his sexual harm prevention order for failing to disclose his Snapchat, TikTok, PlayStation, Instagram accounts as well as failing to register that he had access to a firestick and had downloaded the Bigo Live application.

District Judge Steven Hood told Ward that his powers of sentence were insufficient and transferred the case to Durham Crown Court.

The defendant was released on bail until his sentencing hearing on November 11.