Sex offender failed to tell police he had moved

Painter and decorator Raymond Kavanagh (56) was put on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years when he was jailed for 21 months in 2014.

Kavanagh, who owned up when he was arrested, was fined £120 for what, Burnley magistrates were told, was a first breach of the register.

The defendant, of Eldwick Street, Burnley, admitted two counts of failing to comply with the notification requirements of the register. not completing his annual registration on February 24th and not registering his new address within three days. He must also pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Miss Parveen Akhtar told the hearing Kavanagh was aware of what was expected of him. He had to tell police of any change of address and had to notify officers of his details every 12 months, even if there was no change.

Police went to Eldwick Street and spoke to the defendant, who admitted he had been living there for two weeks.

Mr Ben Leech (defending) said Kavanagh believed the police would remind him to sign on annually and added: “He genuinely says he forgot.”

The defendant had been living in Brierfield with his sister since February last year. There had been a problem between them and she told him to move out.

Mr Leech added: “He says he was hoping it would blow over. He moved in with a friend temporarily and says he didn’t register at that address as he genuinely thought he would be able to patch things up with his sister.”