A CONVICTED sex offender refused to co-operate with police who attended at his address to check he was complying with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Blackburn magistrates heard when officers asked to see all his internet enabled devices Joshua Newton said he was telling them nothing.

Newton, 23, of Reed Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced after the magistrates decided their powers were insufficient.

Jade Coleman, prosecuting, Newton was made subject to the order after being convicted of 10 offences of causing a child to watch a sexual act and 15 charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. One of the conditions was that he had to make available to the police any devices that were internet enabled.

Officers carried out a home visit and asked Newton if he had any devices and he refused to co-operate.

"He was arrested and a search of his property revealed several mobile phones, a tower computer, SIM cards, and Xbox," said Miss Coleman. "The police now want to speak to him again regarding material they have found on the devices."

Vaqas Latif, defending, said his client had reacted angrily because in the past a device had been returned to him damaged.

"He is fully aware of the conditions of the order and has previously shown a level of compliance," said Mr Vaqas. "Whatever the police have found will be dealt with separately and should not be part of these offences."