A man removed his GPS tag because he wanted to go somewhere private to self-harm.
Blackburn Magistrates' Court was wearing the tag on a voluntary basis but ended up being charged with criminal damage to the equipment.
Ryan Smalley, 28, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to damaging a Buddi Tag worth £40 belonging to Lancashire Constabulary.
He was ordered to pay £40 compensation after the court was told that, as a result of the offence, he had been recalled on prison licence until December 23.
Bilal Saeed, prosecuting, said Smalley had initially claimed the device had been damaged while he was out fishing but later admitted he had removed it.
He said Smalley had been sentenced to 12 months in prison for indecent exposure, assault and breach of a sexual harm prevention order and was being recalled on that sentence.
Gareth Price, mitigating, said wearing the tag had been a voluntary agreement as part of his client's supervision by the probation service.
"Over the weekend he was struggling with his mental health and wanted to go somewhere private to self-harm," said Mr Price.
Deputy District Judge Asif Munir said whatever sentence he imposed for the offence, the defendant was going back to prison.
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