A CHILD sex offender who was banned from working at any premises used by children volunteered as a compere and glass collector at an Accrington club.

 

Blackburn magistrates heard Raymond Dixon was also on the committee at the Brooks Club which regularly hosted weddings and christening attended by children.

 

Dixon, 68, of Stopford Court, Sparth Road, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO).

 

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

 

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Dixon had been convicted of 34 sex offences relating to children and had been made subject to a SOPO to protect children.

 

“He is not allowed to work anywhere which may involve contact with under-16s,” said Miss Allan. “For a year he has been working at the Brooks club where one of his role is as a compere. He is also a committee member.”

 

Miss Allan said the club regularly held private functions such as christening and weddings attended by children.

 

“The defendant works there on a voluntary basis and often collects glasses at these functions,” said Miss Allan.

 

Imran Hussain, defending, said his client was convicted 17 year ago, had served time in prison for his offences and hadn’t reoffended since. He said the club membership was adult and whatever function was taking place there were always adults present.

 

“On occasions a room would be made available for a private function and children would attend,” said Mr Hussain.

 

“He would be exposed to them because sometimes he would be asked to collect glasses to help out. He wasn’t aware that this put him in breach of the order but he accepts ignorance is not a defence.”

 

Mr Hussain said there was no suggestion any child had been harmed in any way.

 

“There is no suggestion of menacing contact,” said Mr Hussain. “This is someone who was involved in a social club and on occasions he collected empty glasses.”