A CHILD sex offender meant to report to the police station annually forgot and did not go, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how builder Desmond Walsh, 40, who had been put on the Sex Offenders Register after being convicted in 2002, had complied with the order in the past.

Walsh, of Cambridge Street, Brierfield, admitted failing to comply with the register. He was fined £275, with £70 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Sentencing, the justices told him they believed the offence had been a "genuine oversight."

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court that in May 2003, Walsh had been sent to jail for 30 months for indecent assaults on girls under 14 and under 16.

He had to register annually with the police so they knew where he was living and he last complied in September 2006.

When he had not registered by September this year, police went to his home and explained to him that he had not fulfilled the requirements of the order.

Miss Jabbari said Walsh was taken to the police station and interviewed and said he had forgotten.

Walsh had 15 previous convictions.

Kevin Preston, defending, said it was the first time Walsh had not complied.

Mr Preston said: "Work commitments overtook him.

"He simply forgot to go."