Janiel Verainer, a 63-year-old sex offender, has been sentenced to jail after being found in breach of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). Verainer, who claims to identify as a little girl, faced charges after police discovered two unregistered phones during a routine check of his residence last year. The devices, although used for legal purposes such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and eBay, were not disclosed to authorities as required by Verainer’s SHPO, initially imposed in 2016 as reported by BBC News.
During his trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Verainer, formerly known as Jorven Seren, requested to be referred to as ‘Ms’ and addressed with female pronouns. However, the court learned that Verainer did not have any underlying mental health disorder or learning difficulty, despite his claimed identification as an adult-child. A psychiatric report concluded that Verainer’s desire for such a diagnosis may stem from poor coping skills rather than a medical condition.
Verainer initially denied seven breaches of the SHPO but later changed his plea to guilty. The court also heard from Verainer’s registered carer and partner, Paul Hart, who testified about seeing Verainer use a Samsung phone for messaging adults via Facebook Messenger. Hart expressed his disappointment, stating that he believed he could trust Verainer but was proven wrong.
This isn’t the first time Verainer has faced legal trouble related to breaching the SHPO. In April 2022, he kissed two children, leading to legal proceedings where he appeared in court dressed as an elf. Despite claiming to identify as a young child, Verainer’s defense barrister explained that his behavior stemmed from stress and trauma experienced over two decades ago.
During the trial, Verainer’s lawyer, Philippa Beswick, acknowledged that Verainer fully accepted the terms of the SHPO. Recorder James Lofthouse, while acknowledging Verainer’s difficulty coping with adult life, emphasized that no underlying psychiatric disorder was found. Lofthouse warned Verainer of the consequences of breaching court orders, noting that further violations would lead to longer sentences.
As a result of his breaches, Verainer was sentenced to 16 months in jail. He has been held on remand at HMP Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey since his arrest. Additional charges, including another SHPO breach and failure to comply with sex offender notification requirements, were left on the court file.
Verainer’s case highlights the challenges in managing individuals with complex psychological issues within the criminal justice system. While his self-identification as a little girl may seem unusual, it underscores the need for a nuanced approach to addressing mental health concerns among offenders.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with court orders and the consequences of breaching them. Verainer’s case also raises questions about the adequacy of existing support systems for individuals with psychological issues within the criminal justice system.
Authorities must continue to assess and address the mental health needs of offenders to ensure public safety and promote rehabilitation. The case of Janiel Verainer underscores the complexities involved in managing offenders with unique psychological profiles and the importance of tailored interventions to address their needs.
