Truro Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order

A registered sex offender from Truro who made what police described as a determined effort to conceal his internet activity has been jailed for 21 months.

Peter Ash, 52, of Kenwyn Hill Caravan Park, Truro, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday 13th February for sentencing after pleading guilty to three breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, possession of extreme pornography and breaching his notification requirements as a sex offender.

As part of the sentence, Peter must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.

Previous conviction and investigation

The court heard that in 2022 Peter had been convicted of possessing child sexual abuse images. As part of that sentence, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In September 2025, Devon & Cornwall Police received intelligence that a user of an online platform had communications discussing child abuse. Peter was identified and arrested at his home in Truro.

Attempts to conceal devices and activity

Upon arrest, officers discovered that Peter had attempted to conceal a mobile device within his home address.

The breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order were the result of failing to notify police of a new electronic device, installing encrypted applications and using a virtual private network to mask his IP address. He also attempted to prevent police from tracing his internet history.

An examination of a device found an image of a person carrying out a sex act on a dog, which formed the possession of extreme pornography charge.

Police response

Police Constable Dean Martin from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team said:

“I welcome the sentence given to Peter Ash at Truro Crown Court.

“The conditions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order are strictly imposed to manage risk and protect the most vulnerable members of our community in Devon and Cornwall.

“We take any violation of court-ordered conditions extremely seriously and this investigation highlights our commitment to proactive monitoring and our refusal to tolerate any behaviour that undermines public safety or the welfare of those – human or otherwise – who cannot protect themselves.

“Peter Ash made determined efforts to mask his internet history, showing no regard to the order previously given to him to curb his offending and protect others.”

Anyone with concerns relating to sexual offending in their community is urged to report it via 101 or through the police website, or call 999 if there is immediate danger.