Shrewsbury sex offender who didn't tell police about his new iPad is spared jail
A convicted sex offender has avoided jail after he was found in possession of an iPad he hadn't told police about.
Frederick Custance, 34, of Railway Terrace, Shrewsbury was on two sexual harm prevention orders following previous convictions for sex offences in 2014 and 2021.
Telford Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that after receiving "intelligence" police visited Custance's Shrewsbury home on May 11 this year and discovered the undeclared iPad Pro.
Prosecutor, Ms Maggie Meakin, said that the two "active" sexual harm prevention orders stated that Custance "must advise his police offending manager within three days of the existence of a new device".
She added that Custance not declaring the new tablet was a "deliberate breach" of the order.
Charlotte Gregory, defending Custance, said since he left prison following his last conviction, her client had found full-time employment and was in a relationship.
However, chair of Telford Magistrates Mr Alan Parkhurst described the breach of the orders as "very serious".
He said: "You have been on these orders so long it should be crystal clear, and you have no excuse.
"I understand you now have a job and a relationship and you have not offended since the orders were put in place. But it is vital for the safety of the community that these orders are complied with."
He sentenced Custance to four months in prison but suspended the sentence for 24 months.
Custance was also ordered to pay £339 fines and surcharges.
