Medway sex offender back behind bars for breaching order

A Medway sex offender who repeatedly breached a court order is back behind bars.

In 2018, Ian Collard became subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after he was convicted of attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity.

This prohibited him from using social media, dating applications or websites, and from accessing the internet without notifying the authorities. It also required him to make any devices available for inspection by officers upon request and to live at approved premises in Beckenham.

Collard repeatedly breached the terms of the order and has previously been returned to prison as a result.

Following his latest release, Kent Police received a report on 20 June 2026 from a woman who had seen previous media coverage relating to Collard's conviction. She told officers he had been communicating with her via social media, engaging in conversations of a sexual nature and claiming to be homeless and wanting to move in with her.

The 36 year old, formerly of Station Road, Gillingham, was arrested on 6 July and later charged with 12 breaches of the SHPO.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and, at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 September 2026, was jailed for 3 years and 3 months.

Detective Constable James Neville said: 'Collard is a high risk sex offender who continues to show a blatant disregard for the restrictions imposed on him by the courts. 'These measures are in place to protect the public, yet he has repeatedly chosen to ignore them despite previous convictions and prison sentences for similar breaches. 'His persistent offending demonstrates an ongoing risk to others, and we will continue to take action whenever he fails to comply with these conditions. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his behaviour and sends a clear message that anyone who repeatedly breaches orders designed to safeguard the public can expect to be brought back before the courts.'