1. April 2026
Hartlepool Man Shaun Woolley Jailed for 28 Months Following SHPO Breaches
HARTLEPOOL — A 58-year-old local man has been handed a prison sentence at Teesside Crown Court following a string of serious breaches involving the protection of minors.
Shaun Woolley, of Stephen Street, Hartlepool, appeared before the court yesterday (Tuesday, 31st March) where he was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
The court heard that Woolley was already subject to sex offender notification requirements and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) when authorities uncovered his latest activities.
During a routine visit by officers from the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders unit on August 11th, 2025, police discovered a social media app on Woolley's phone containing deleted messages.
Following a forensic examination of the device, investigators identified six victims—all children under the age of 16—whom Woolley had been contacting.
Woolley was charged with and convicted of Eight counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Six counts of sexual communication with a child under the age of 16.
Police Statement, Detective Constable Carl Middleton, the investigating officer, emphasized the importance of rigorous monitoring in these cases.
He stated:"Regular checks on those who are subject to sex offender notification requirements mean that we can protect the public by identifying any further offences... I am pleased that other potential victims have now been safeguarded from Woolley's persistent offending."
The sentencing has sparked significant discussion across the North East, with many residents calling for continued transparency in how local offenders are monitored.
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