A Middlesbrough man has been returned to custody after admitting breaching the terms of a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) by failing to tell a new partner about previous child sexual offences, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Background and the breach
Mark Hubbard, aged 32 and of The Crescent, Middlesbrough, was subject to an SRO following historic convictions for child sexual offences. The order required him to inform any new partner about his previous convictions and to notify authorities about new relationships.
During an unannounced compliance visit by police, officers noticed a mark on Hubbard’s neck. When questioned, he admitted to seeing a woman for a short period and acknowledged she was not aware of his past. The woman told officers she had been given a different surname by Hubbard and was upset when she learned the truth.
“I have been seeing a lass for a couple of day and she doesn’t know about my past.”
Court outcome and custody
Hubbard pleaded guilty to breaching the SRO on 5 July. Prosecutor Albany Kidd told the court police remained concerned about the likelihood of reoffending following his release from custody. The court heard Hubbard had already served lengthy sentences for child sexual offences.
Judge Andrew Hatton sentenced Hubbard to two years in custody for the latest breach. The judge noted the woman had been given a false surname and had entered a sexual relationship with Hubbard without being informed of his convictions; she described her reaction as one of disgust when the facts emerged.
It was also reported Hubbard had previously been sentenced to 12 years in custody in 2014 for raping a child under 16 and was convicted again in 2016 for engaging in sexual activity with a child. After the breach conviction he had already been recalled to custody, having been released on licence from a more recent sentence on 18 June.
Local policing and public safety implications
The case underlines how SROs operate in practice: officers carry out unannounced reviews to check compliance and safeguard the public. Police described Hubbard as a very high-risk offender whose movements and relationships are subject to notification requirements while on licence.
For residents, the incident highlights the importance of the obligations placed on those released from custody for sexual offending and the role of monitoring to protect vulnerable people. The court’s sentence reflects the seriousness with which breaches of notification requirements are treated.
- Defendant: Mark Hubbard, 32, of The Crescent, Middlesbrough
- Charge: Breach of Sexual Risk Order (admitted 5 July)
- Sentence: Two years in custody (recalled to custody)
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Conviction | Sentenced to 12 years for raping a child under 16 |
| 2016 | Conviction | Convicted for engaging in sexual activity with a child |
| 2026 | SRO breach | Pleaded guilty to breaching SRO on 5 July; sentenced to two years |
The court was told Hubbard had already been jailed for 12 months after failing to comply with the SRO on an earlier occasion, and that he had been recalled to custody following the latest breach. His mitigation was limited to an early guilty plea, according to defence counsel.
The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, where the judge emphasised the impact on the woman who had been misled about the defendant’s identity and history. The ruling serves as a reminder of the continuing obligations imposed on those with sexual convictions and the enforcement powers available to police and the courts.
