A disturbing revelation unfolded when a mother learned that her 17-year-old daughter’s boyfriend, who had been spending time at their home with her infant, was a registered sex offender. Blake Moorhouse, 21, had previously received a three-year community order for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old. Despite claiming remorse and willingness to adhere to court conditions, Moorhouse was found to be violating restrictions on contact with minors.
Court proceedings revealed that Moorhouse, hailing from Blackpool, had established an online relationship with the teenager and visited her and her child. Although the girl insisted their relationship was non-sexual, Moorhouse had stayed in her bedroom where the baby slept on multiple occasions. Following the issuance of a sexual harm prevention order on March 6, Moorhouse misled his girlfriend and her mother about the nature of his upcoming court appearance, concealing his status as a registered sex offender.
Subsequently, Moorhouse was contacted by MOSOVO, the police unit overseeing sexual and violent offenders, prompting the girl to investigate his background online. This led to Moorhouse being asked to leave the premises, and he surrendered to the authorities upon realization that he was being sought. The defendant, residing in Thornton-Cleveleys, admitted to breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements in court.
Judge Robert Altham expressed disappointment in Moorhouse’s repeated offenses and lack of compliance, leading to a revised sentencing for his prior misconduct with a 14-year-old, adding six months for the recent breaches. The judge emphasized the necessity of immediate custody due to Moorhouse’s blatant disregard for court orders and the danger he posed to children.
