Sex offender jailed after breaching an order banning contact with children without informing authorities

Lewis Foster was given a suspended jail term in 2018 for having child abuse images and made to sign the sex offenders' register, which restricted and meant he had to declare his contact with anyone under 16.

Newcastle Crown Court heard while the 30-year-old, who was also given a sexual harm prevention order, appeared to be compliant with the restrictions imposed on him, he regularly had two children spent the night at his house without informing the authorities.

The court heard the children's mother knew nothing about Foster's background but she stopped the visits and alerted the police when she found out.

Prosecutor Paul Cross told the court: "She became suspicious of the defendant's background and found out about his previous convictions so stopped the visits.

"There is no suggestion at all of any inappropriate behaviour taking place and it is not suggested the defendant was grooming."

Foster, of Charles Street, Boldon, admitted failing to comply with notification requirements and breach of the suspended sentence.

Judge Robert Adams sentenced him to 11 months behind bars.

The judge told him: "There is no suggestion any grooming took place or any form of sexual offence was committed towards them.

"Superficially, you were compliant with the orders while in the back ground you were well aware you were breaking the terms of that order.

"You were well aware of the requirements, you made a decision not to tell anyone."

The judge said the notification requirements are in place for "protection purposes".

Foster was given another sexual harm prevention order lasting five years from today.

Vic Laffey, defending, said: "There is no suggestion anything untoward has gone on here."

Mr Laffey said Foster would welcome the chance to work with the probation service and abide by all orders in future.

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