A CONVICTED sex offender failed to comply with registration requirements following his release from prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ashley Lewis Barratt had bought an internet enabled phone and not told the police.

He had also failed to register his new address with the police.

Barratt, 33, of Highfield House Bail Hostel, Lydia Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to notify his ownership of the phone and registering with the police within three days of his release from prison. He was jailed for 26 weeks after the court was told he had been recalled to prison until October.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Barratt had been released from prison on Friday.

"He was required to inform the police within three days of his address and notify them if he acquired a computer or phone or anything that gave access to the internet," said Mrs Mann.

"That is particularly relevant in his case because his offences relate to indecent images of children."

Mrs Mann said the defendant had many convictions for possessing and making indecent images and there had been numerous breaches of orders over the years.

"He is well aware of what is required of him," said Mrs Mann.

Peter King, defending, said following his release from Northumberland Prison his client had obtained a phone in Newcastle before making his way to the Accrington bail hostel by train.

He said his client went to Accrington police station on Saturday with the intention of registering his details and telling them about the phone.

"The Accrington police station was closed and he had no money to get to either Burnley or Greenbank," said Mr King.

"Shortly after that he was taken ill and didn't leave the hostel again until he was arrested. He actually had a note on his phone reminding him to go to the police station."