Pervert monitored by Leeds police illegally deleted internet history 600 times
He narrowly avoided custody for a second time
A convicted paedophile subjected to strict internet prohibitions illegally downloaded social media apps and deleted his internet history hundreds of times.
Ashley Armitage was on a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), meaning he was forbidden from doing either, Leeds Crown Court heard.
He had been convicted in 2021 of downloading child-abuse images, given an eight-month suspended sentence and given the 10-year order.
On February 27 this year officers went to his home for a routine check of his internet devices.
They found apps in a deleted section on his phone. Over a period of nine months he had downloaded five social media apps and deleted them, but before then viewed them over 300 times.
He had also deleted his internet history 642 times, had downloaded a search engine that did not store internet history and two “cleaning” apps to help permanently delete files.
The 38-year-old was arrested and admitted what he had done. He was then released.
With a follow-up visit by officers on August 3, Armitage pretended not to be at home, so the police forced entry and found him inside.
His phone showed that he had downloaded an encrypted messaging app.
Armitage, of Cherry Tree Walk, East Ardsley, admitted six breaches of his SHPO. He has two previous convictions for four offences.
Mitigating, Andrew Parnham said: “He has asked me to apologise for his behaviour.
“He knows he has messed up through his actions. He has complied with the order for the last four years so it shows he is capable of complying.”
She said no illegal material was found on his phone.
Ms Parnham said he has learning difficulties and said prison would be more difficult because he is transgender.
Judge Simon Batiste gave him a 28-month sentence, suspended for three years, telling Armitage it was his last chance and warned any further breaches will result in custody.
In addition, he ordered he complete 20 rehabilitation days with probation.