Cwmbran Man Fined for Deleting App in Court Order Breach

A 41-year-old man has been fined after breaching the terms of a sexual harm prevention order by deleting an application from his mobile phone. 📱⚖️

Alexander Tovey, of Ventnor Road, Old Cwmbran, appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court on March 14 where he was ordered to pay £365 for the breach.

The court heard that Tovey was originally convicted in 2017 for possessing indecent images of children, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. As part of his sentencing, he was made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register.

On January 16 this year, when officers visited Tovey’s home, his mother initially prevented them from entering the property. Upon gaining access, officers discovered Tovey had deleted the Snapchat application from his mobile phone just six minutes before their arrival – a direct violation of his court order which prohibits him from deleting any internet browsing history or data.

His defence barrister described the incident as a “blip,” noting that Tovey had complied with the order “perfectly for eight years prior.”

The court also heard that Tovey has ADHD and autism and has faced significant challenges following his conviction. He reportedly developed acrophobia, preventing him from leaving his house, and lost friends after they learned of his criminal record.

The fine will be paid through deductions from Tovey’s monthly Universal Credit allowance.