Scarlett Lee, 32, previously known as Scott Henwood, was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). The order was originally imposed in February 2024 after she was convicted of possessing a prohibited image of a child. Lee had been found with a folder containing 80 animated images depicting adults engaging in sexual activity with children, leading to a previous jail term of two years and four months.
Police Visit Reveals Breach
On May 6, police officers visited Lee and requested her phone, which she handed over. Upon inspection, officers discovered that Lee had been using incognito mode on her phone and accessing the Discord app, both of which violated the terms of her SHPO. She was arrested and taken into custody for further examination of her device.
Prosecutor Rob Simkins told the court that Lee had also been using Reddit under the name Scarlett Winters. When questioned about the alias, Lee claimed that her 32-year-old male partner in Canada had the surname Winters. Lee, of Abergarw Road, Brynmenyn, Bridgend, later pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a SHPO.
Previous Convictions and Mitigation
The court heard that Lee has four previous convictions for breaching a SHPO and possessing prohibited images of children. In mitigation, defence barrister James McKenna argued that his client's actions had not harmed anyone and that she posed "little risk." He noted that Lee had been recalled to prison and was currently housed at HMP Parc. McKenna added: "She transitioned some two years ago. She has had some difficulty in a male prison presenting as female and difficulty with her mental health but she has settled well into the prison. She has autism and was sectioned four years ago."
Judge's Remarks
Sentencing, the Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke stated: "You have total disregard for court orders which is apparent from your conviction for these offences and your previous convictions. You seem to regard them as something you can ignore or circumvent as you wish." Lee was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment and will remain subject to sex offender notification requirements and the SHPO.
Impact and Further Details
Lee's breach of the court order highlights ongoing concerns about compliance with SHPOs. The case underscores the challenges authorities face in monitoring offenders, particularly those who attempt to conceal their activities through technological means such as incognito browsing and pseudonyms. The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts view such breaches, especially given Lee's history of similar offences.
