A homeless sexual predator who abducted a woman at an Isle of Wight park has appeared before a crown court judge again after defying a court order.
Ian Willett attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Tuesday, July 16, after pleading guilty to failing to comply with a notification requirement.
The 26-year-old was jailed for 40 months in 2021 after he attacked a woman in Church Litten Park – an incident reported exclusively by the County Press at the time.
He was released on licence on January 4 but failed to register with police on January 6, as part of requirements in accordance with the Sex Offenders’ Register.
The following month, Willett was spared an immediate return to jail, instead being handed 18 months’ probation with requirements, including to inform police of his overnight whereabouts.
Annabel Hazlitt, prosecuting, said Willett informed police he was staying in a tent near the mudjumps in Parkhurst Forest but had switched his location to Luccombe Chine.
Parkhurst Forest in Newport (Image: IWCP)
Ms Hazlitt told the court that officers tried to find Willett and could not see him or his tent, after unsuccessful attempts with police dogs and drones.
He was later located within a property in Shanklin and was arrested by police.
Jim Osborne, defending, said he believes sending his client back to jail would be setting him up to fail.
Mr Osborne told the court Willett’s main issue is homelessness, and his offending decreases when he has stable housing.
The defence requested a further adjournment to allow for an in-depth pre-sentence report, which focuses on Willett’s medical conditions, namely schizophrenia, and whether there is a need for a medical report.
Mr Osborne added that Willett is likely looking at nine months' custody.
Judge Robert Douglas Hill said he is looking for avenues to suspend Willett's sentence.
Willett was remanded in custody, with the case adjourned for a pre-sentence report.
He will reappear at crown court on September 26.
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