Convicted fraudster back in court after police surveillance

Adrian Garrick, 44, of Miranda Close, Coventry, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on July 4, after breaching his SCPO, which had been in force since his release from prison in September 2014 after serving a sentence for fraud offences dating back to 1991.

Officers from Hertfordshire’s specialist intelligence development desk and serious and organised crime covert investigation unit, supported by West Midlands Police, had been monitoring Garrick’s activities and gathering evidence that he had breached conditions of the order.

This resulted in him being charged and subsequently pleading guilty to four breaches. The court handed him an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Chief Inspector Dave Wheatley, of the serious and organised crime unit, said: “These orders give us powers to keep a close eye on those who have been involved in serious crime over a long period and enables us to monitor their activities, once released from prison to ensure they do not go back to offending.

“This was Hertfordshire’s first prosecution for the breaching of an SCPO and in this case the offender was living outside of the county, but this sentencing sends a clear message that we can and will monitor and enforce SCPOs no matter where offenders live.”

A Serious Crime Prevention Order is given to people who have been convicted of a serious crime. It places certain restrictions on an individual’s movements, activities and associations - breaching these restrictions may lead to further action by police and can face up to five years imprisonment.

Details of individuals who are currently subject to SCPOs can be found at http://www.herts.police.uk/hertfordshire_constabulary/help_us_fight_crime.aspx