Man banned from approaching women and going within 100 metres of schools
A man has been banned from approaching women he doesn't know or going within 100 metres of schools after a court heard evidence of sexually motivated behaviour.
Andrew Achomna, 25, from Cleckheaton, has been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following an application by West Yorkshire Police.
The order was imposed at Kirklees Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (Nov 3), after magistrates heard evidence of a persistent pattern of sexually motivated and intrusive behaviour towards women and girls in public spaces.
Although Achomna has not been convicted of any sexual offences, the court agreed to impose a series of restrictions designed to protect women and girls from harm.
Under the order, Achomna is prohibited from approaching, following, speaking to or otherwise interacting with any woman he does not know in public places.
Exceptions apply where contact is unavoidable during normal daily life or where he is being served by, or seeking assistance from, a woman working in a retail or leisure facility, provided the interaction relates solely to the services being offered.
He is also banned from inviting or having any woman who is not related to him into his home, hotel room or another location under his control unless she has been made aware of the reasons for the order, its conditions and how long it will remain in force.
The restrictions also prevent Achomna from entering Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres, except when travelling through by train or bus or attending an appointment.
He is further prohibited from going within 100 metres of a school or college and from wearing a balaclava in any public place.
The order is indefinite, meaning the restrictions have no specified expiry date.
Breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
Sergeant Kirstie Broderick, of Kirklees Police, said: “A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is a preventative measure designed to protect women and girls from harm.
“As a result of enquires and reports made to us, we felt it was necessary to apply to magistrates for an SHPO to be made against Andrew Achomna and are pleased it has been granted.
“The order will significantly restrict his engagement with others and provides police with additional powers to manage him.
“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for West Yorkshire Police and we will continue to take robust action to safeguard women and girls, support victims, and pursue every available legal measure to prevent harm and protect our communities."