Marazion Sex Offender Hid Dark Web Tablet Under His Duvet

What was a Marazion man doing with a PIN-locked tablet tucked under his bedding, loaded with software designed to hide his tracks online? The answer has landed him behind bars for more than three years.

Richard Over, aged 43, has been jailed for three years and two months after officers found the forbidden device during an unannounced visit to his home. His response when caught? “I’m an idiot.”

A history of offending

Richard is a registered sex offender previously convicted of making indecent images of children, first in 2017 and again in 2024. Both convictions resulted in suspended prison sentences. In December 2023 he was made the subject of a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), placing strict limits on his access to the internet and any device capable of going online.

The order banned him from buying or using any internet-enabled device without first telling police. Any device he did own had to retain and display its online history, and he was forbidden from deleting his search history, using software that allows anonymous browsing, or password-protecting any devices or files without permission. He also had to make his devices available for officers to inspect.

Hidden under the duvet

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team called at Richard’s Marazion home on Sunday 5th April 2026. There they uncovered a PIN-locked tablet hidden under his duvet.

When the device was unlocked, officers found a private internet browser and a gateway application for accessing the dark web installed on it. Richard told officers he “didn’t use” the private browser, and claimed the dark web software was “for checking about the war”.

Repeated breaches

Truro Crown Court heard Richard had been convicted of breaching his SHPO on seven occasions since September 2023. In the same period he had also breached his registered sex offender notification requirements seven times.

He admitted five further breaches of his SHPO between 17th December 2025 and 5th April 2026, and was sentenced on Friday 8th May.

Police Constable Ross Waite said: “This offender made a sustained and deliberate effort to bypass strict court orders designed to protect children and limit his access to the internet.

“Despite being fully aware of the restrictions placed upon him, he chose to conceal a device, install software to hide his online activity, and attempt to access the darkest corners of the internet.

“Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are in place to manage risk and safeguard the public, particularly the most vulnerable.

“Breaching them is not a technicality, it is a serious offence that demonstrates a clear disregard for the law and for the safety of others.

“We will continue to robustly monitor and pursue those who attempt to evade these restrictions and take swift action to bring them before the courts.”