Chatham sex offender promptly jailed for breach of court order

A convicted sex offender from Chatham who breached a court order and failed to comply with sex offender notification requirements has been promptly jailed.

Denis Swift became the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after being convicted in 2012 of child sex offences.

The conditions included a requirement he should not be in possession of an internet-enabled device without written approval from police.

Investigation

On Tuesday 24 June 2025, officers attended Swift’s home address to check he was complying with the restrictions. It was found that the offender had bought a mobile phone and he was arrested.

Swift, formerly of Seymour Road, was charged later that day with breach of a SHPO and failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements.

Jailed

The 71 year old pleaded guilty and, on Wednesday 25 June at Medway Magistrates’ Court, was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

PC Areolito Gashi said: ‘Court orders for convicted sex offenders such as Swift are put in place to safeguard against future crimes being committed - protecting vulnerable people and preventing them from becoming victims. Swift was clearly in breach of his court order and it’s right that he’s back behind bars.‘We carry out regular checks on offenders to ensure that they are complying with the conditions on which they have been released from prison. Those who fail to adhere to them can expect to face the consequences of their actions.’