Truro man jailed for breaching sexual harm prevention order
Peter Ash attempted to hide internet activity from police
A Truro man has been sentenced to 21 months in jail for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Peter Ash, 52, from Kenwyn Hill Caravan Park, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court after admitting to three breaches of the order, possession of extreme pornography, and failing to comply with notification requirements as a registered sex offender.
In 2022, Ash was convicted for possessing child sexual abuse images, resulting in a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Devon & Cornwall Police received intelligence in September 2025 regarding online communications about child abuse, which led to Ash being identified and subsequently arrested at his Truro home.
During the arrest, authorities discovered multiple breaches of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, as Ash failed to report a new electronic device, installed encrypted apps, and used a VPN to obscure his internet activity.
An examination of one of Ash's devices revealed an image of extreme pornography depicting a dog being sexually abused.
Police Constable Dean Martin from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness with which violations of court-imposed conditions are treated:
“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.”
Ash must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years as part of his sentence.