Sex offender admitted to police he had been looking at pornography on his phone but denied that his had been illegal

Blackburn magistrates heard Jamie Gorton was subject to a sexual offences prevention order which prohibited him deleting the internet browsing history from any devices in his possession.

But when police examined his phone it was clear the history had been deleted.

Gorton, of Browsholme Avenue, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breaching the order. He was sent on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on December 8.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Gorton handed over his mobile phone to officers carrying out a compliance visit.

"He accepted deleting his internet history and said it was for privacy reasons," said Mrs Mann. "He also accepted that he had been viewing porn but said it was all legal. His phone will now be examined to see if that is the case."

Mrs Mann said Gorton had been convicted in 2015 after engaging in conversation with a 15-year-old girl via social media.

"This is not the first breach of the order," said Mrs Mann.

Daniel Fraser, defending, said Gorton had an explanation to put forward at the Crown Court.