Colne sex offender ends up back in court

A Colne sex offender did not register with police where he was living when he was released from jail, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' Court.Burnley Magistrates' Court.
Burnley Magistrates' Court.

Pennine Magistrates’ Court was told how Christopher Costello was on the sex offenders register after grabbing a 27-year-old woman’s bottom.

Costello (27), of Thomas Street, Colne, admitted failing to comply with notification requirements on or between March 16th and 24th, within three days of his release. He was fined £100, with £85 costs and a £20 statutory surcharge.

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Prosecutor Andrew Robinson told the hearing Costello was given a 28-day prison sentence last August for sexual assault. He had been recalled on full licence from an earlier sentence and was only freed on March 14th.

The defendant had been reminded of his obligations by the police, but failed to register the address he was staying at and was arrested on March 24th.

Graeme Tindall (defending) said Costello was discharged from custody with various items of paper work, which he did not correctly read.”

The solicitor continued: ”He wasn’t trying to mislead the police. Hopefully, when he is released today, he will go to the police station and deal with the notification requirements.” The defendant had made a claim for employment support allowance.

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Sentencing, District Judge James Clarke told Costello: ”You appreciate this is a serious matter. The maximum penalty is five years in prison.”

But, the district judge continued: ”I accept this was down to sloppiness rather than any intention and and police knew where you were. You simply failed to meet your obligations.”

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