SEX-offender James Brehaut’s sick obsession with children was spinning out of control by the time he was caught. Extracts from a probation report read out in the Royal Court describe him as an ‘increasing risk’ whose escalating behaviour ‘represents a significant concern’.

It recommended ongoing assessment and evaluation of Brehaut, ‘in the interests of public protection’.

‘Whilst he appears to have recognised this escalation for himself, he does not appear to have acknowledged the potential for direct re-offending against young people,’ said the report.

Upon his release from Les Nicolles, Brehaut is subject to an extended licence order to continue rehabilitation work not finished inside prison.

Chief probation officer Anna Guilbert said she could not comment on Brehaut specifically but was satisfied all the correct procedures had been followed.

‘The Probation Service takes its responsibility to the community and victims extremely seriously in these cases,’ she said.

‘The probation officer handling the case has been in touch with the parents of the children involved in the case to keep them informed of all the key issues and has also explained about the extended licence and parole process.

‘This is in line with the Probation Service practice to keep victims and families informed of key dates such as possibility of parole and eventual release dates.

‘They can also be in contact with the probation officer or me at any time should they need more information about the process. Victim Support is also available to talk to at any time.’

When a prisoner is considered for parole, the victims or their families are sometimes asked to write to the Parole Review Committee with their concerns.

The father who caught Brehaut in his sons’ bedroom at 4am did so, begging the committee not to let him go free early.

‘Unless this incident has happened to you, and it has not, you will not understand my feelings,’ he wrote.

‘No words that I write will explain the feelings and emotions that I have to live with. Guilt, sense of failure, loss of pride and anger do not even come close.’

Therapy to rehabilitate Brehaut is likely to continue for months after his release and it is possible he will receive specialist treatment in the UK. Several Guernsey probation officers are trained to work with sex offenders and the service works with a UK-based consultant who provides training for staff. The probation service and the police plus other relevant organisations have meetings to minimise any risk posed by sex offenders on release from prison.

n The extended sentence order conditions include monitoring and prohibitions on accommodation, association, movements, specified places, employment, contact with children, ownership of computers and imaging devices. This is different from the more personal ‘friendly’ style of rehabilitation or social support, which focuses on helping the offender.