Sex offender failed to notify police he was staying in Cleator Moor

Lee Johnson, 32, is required to notify police of an address he is residing at within three days as required by a sex offender’s notification requirement, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant had not been to the police station to notify police of his address within three days of being released from prison.

Officers went to the defendant’s grandfather’s address in Cleator Moor and found Johnson inside, sat on a chair. He was arrested and taken to the police station.

During police interview, Johnson confirmed he was a registered sex offender and had been provided with a copy of the sexual harm prevention order.

He said he had attended an appointment with the probation service on his release from prison but denied that his probation officer had reminded him of the requirements to register at the police station.

Johnson accepted that it was his responsibility to notify police.

Ms Fee said there were risks if police don’t know where the defendant is living because he can’t be properly monitored.

Johnson, of Crowgarth Close, Cleator Moor, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders’ register.

Claire Kirkpatrick, defending, said: “Mr Johnson was released from prison on April 2 then got recalled. He went in between April 2 and 11.

“He said he would be living with his grandfather. He got recalled. When he came back out, he went to live with his grandfather.

“He hadn’t appreciated that even if you are coming out and going back to the same address, you have to re-register.

“He didn’t appreciate what the requirements are. He had only spoken to police and registered 10 days earlier.

“It’s a guilty plea entered at the first opportunity. Full admissions at police interview. There’s no suggestion he is trying to conceal an address.”

Johnson was fined £200 and was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.