A YORK paedophile has been banned from leaving the United Kingdom as North Yorkshire Police seek to prevent him committing more offences.

Daniel Hilton, 25, is currently subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order which was made several years ago when he was convicted of sexual offences against children.

At a special hearing, York magistrates banned Hilton from travelling anywhere other than in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man by making an interim sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). He is forbidden from travelling to Ireland.

Hilton, who was previously known as Adam Geoff Barraclough, also has to hand over any passport or passports and any other travel documents he has to the police by March 29.

He is also forbidden from applying for or obtaining any documents that could enable him to travel abroad.

The order lasts until midnight at the end of May 10. He could be jailed for up to five years if he leaves the United Kingdom before then.

Asked to confirm that his address was Earswick Chase, New Earswick, Hilton said “technically not”, adding that he was “between addresses”. He has lived at that address in the past.

Magistrates made the interim order after hearing from Oliver Thorne, on behalf of the police, who said that officers were concerned about what Hilton may do should he be allowed to leave the country.

North Yorkshire Police is seeking to make a full SHPO, including 14 restrictions which are currently part of the SOPO, plus the travel ban.

Mark Whitfield, for Hilton, did not contest the making of an interim order and the case was adjourned until a hearing at York Magistrates Court on May 10 at which Hilton is expected to contest the making of the full order.

The sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) remains in force.

Sexual harm prevention orders are made when a court decides they are necessary to prevent someone with sexual convictions committing more sexual offences.

They replaced SOPOs some years ago, but some orders made before the change in the law are still in effect, including the one imposed on Hilton at a crown court hearing.