A SEX offender banned from associating with children has allegedly been trying to groom children at Accrington Stanley football matches.

Phillip Reece, 46, of Chapel Street, Brierfield, is accused of attending home and away games and approaching teenage boys to talk about football and invite them to his house.

But Reece is prohibited from unsupervised contact with under 18s and is accused of breaching the order on six separate occasions.

This related to his behaviour at the Crown Ground and on coaches to away games in the South of the England.

Lancashire Police confirmed the allegations of the breaches of his sexual offences prevention offer arose after he was spoken to by another force during ‘boisterous’ activity amongst Stanley supporters at an away game against Barnet in September.

His name and record was passed on to Pennine public protection police officers who viewed cctv made inquiries to identify Reece and the alleged victims - local boys aged between 13 and 15.

It is alleged Reece would turn up early at the Crown Ground on match days and volunteer with other fans to help out with odd jobs.

Reece made an appearance at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Monday and his case was sent to Burnley Crown Court.

His bail conditions include an order not to contact witnesses or approach any sporting event or playing fields where a child could be present.

Reece, who claims to be a fan of lower league football, has a 10-year sexual offences prevention order placed on him by Norwich Crown Court in October 2007.

That was on the back of convictions for 14 sexual offences against children, including sexual activity with a girl and a boy, sexual assault and exposure.

Reece, who used to live in Hertfordshire, is accused of being ‘over-familiar’ with the boys.