15 hours ago
Powys child sex offender faces more jail for breach of order
A CHILD sex offender will be sentenced next month after he spent time with a female under 16 whose parent was not aware of his past convictions.
Mark Colling breached a court order when he spent time with a parent and their children, but had failed to reveal his past.
The 52-year-old is subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which stipulated he could not spend time with girls under the age of 16 unless it was with a parent or guardian who knew about his past.
But he failed to disclose this to one parent who said they would not have allowed children to spend time with him had he done so.
Colling, previously from Llandrindod Wells but now of Tan Y Foel in Llanymynech, admitted breaching the sexual harm prevention order last autumn when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates' Court in May.
Colling appeared at Mold Crown Court via videolink from prison in Stafford on Thursday, June 19; having been recalled to prison in October.
Representing Colling, Philip Clemo said his client admitted the offence and had been recalled to prison due to the offence taking place while he was on licence.
'He has gone about his business in prison, getting qualifications,' said Mr Clemo.
'He is awaiting a parole board hearing and his offender manager said they would recommend his release.
'For reasons that escape me, he was not charged for this offence until May. I accept he committed the offence while on licence, but he has had to wait until May to be charged.'
Judge Rhys Rowlands adjourned the case until July 2. He told Colling: 'Pease do not read anything into that, this is a serious matter.
'It will be difficult for the court to draw back from anything other than an immediate custodial sentence.'
