Sex offender jailed for forming 'unwelcome' association with vulnerable woman

Monday, 30 March 2026 16:00

By Central Radio News

A registered sex offender has been jailed for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Anthony Kirkbright, 58, began a friendship with a vulnerable woman after his release from prison in 2025.

She was unaware of his past until officers made an urgent disclosure to her last October.

Despite her telling Kirkbright that she no longer wanted him to visit he continued to attend at her address and sent numerous unwanted text messages.

Kirkbright also contacted social services, attempting to cancel a care package she had in relation to her health which caused considerable disruption to her.

The unwanted contact put him in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed on him following convictions for previous offences, including sexual assault.

One of the conditions of the SHPO was ‘not to continue to associate or seek association with any female after being told by her that the association is unwelcome to her’.

Kirkbright was arrested on 5th November on suspicion of breaching the SHPO. He was then charged and remanded.

At Preston Crown Court last wwek, Kirkbright, formerly of Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, appeared for sentence after pleading guilty to breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order at an earlier hearing.

He was jailed for 30 months and made subject of a further Sexual Harm Prevention Order until 2036 – Kirkbright also remains subject to Sex Offender Notification Requirements.

Lisa Parrington, Offender Manager for the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team, said: “Kirkbright is a dangerous offender who uses persistence and lies to gain access to women. He continues to pose a very high risk to women, and I welcome the prison sentence imposed on him by the court.

“Lancashire Police take reports of violence against women and girls extremely seriously, it is a priority of the force.

“We will investigate thoroughly all reports made to us in order to try and bring offenders to justice and provide support to victims.”