Man sent back to jail thanks to new legislation
A convicted sex offender is to be returned to prison for breach of licence after police in Plymouth used new legislation to arrest and charge a man.
We arrested a 45-year-old man in Plymouth following reports of two women being approached separately while they were on the school run in Devonport yesterday, Wednesday 22 April.
Following investigations by Plymouth police, Stuart Hulme, aged 45, from Plymouth was charged with two offences of sexual harassment under the Public Order Act.
The charges mark some of the first use of new offences brought into statute on April 1, 2026, aimed at public order offences.
Hulme was remanded in custody to appear before Plymouth magistrates today, Thursday 23 April, where he pleaded guilty and received 16 weeks imprisonment.
Sergeant Debbie Benwell said: “We are delighted that the man was identified and arrested quickly under the new legislation and gives the police an additional power, that we have used in this case.
“This has allowed an offender to be returned to prison and sends a strong message, that we will do everything we can to protect woman and girls from harm.
“The victims informed the police quickly and provided the evidence we needed to help identify the man. I would like to thank them personally for their courage in coming forward.”
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