'Wanted' sex offender caught with wraps of heroin when police tracked him down in South Tyneside

Robert Pallister is on the sex offenders register for life after being convicted of rape in 2003 and must keep the police constantly informed about where he lives.

Newcastle Crown Court heard in August last year the 35-year-old attended South Shields police station and told them he no longer had an address.

As a result, Pallister was told he must visit the station weekly to keep police informed about where he was staying.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Muir told the court: "He never re-attended nor provided police with any further information regarding accommodation.

"As a result of his failure to comply he was circulated as being wanted by the police.

The court heard it was two months later, on October 21, police, who knew he as a wanted man, spotted Pallister at a pharmacy in Jarrow.

Miss Muir added: "They tried to handcuff the defendant and he initially resisted.

"The officers activated body-worn footage and did manage to cuff him.

"They informed him he was under arrest. Other officers attended and he was searched.

"Three wraps of heroin were found in his right hand pocket."

He added: "He was cautioned and arrested for possession of drugs."

Pallister, of no fixed address, admitted failing to comply with notification requirements and possession of drugs.

He also admitted breach of a probation order imposed for breach of a restraining order relating to an angry confrontation at his former partner's home in 2018.

Judge Christopher Prince sentenced Pallister, who has served the equivalent of a 14-month prison sentence on remand, to a community order for 12 months with drug rehabilitation requirements.

The judge said the sentence is a "clean start".

Judge Prince said Pallister's "chaotic lifestyle" is behind his breach of the registration requirements rather than anything more sinister but warned him: "I'm telling you now, whether or not you have got an address at which you are living or whether you are homeless, you have got to comply with these requirements and be in touch with the police to tell them where you are or are not residing."

Speaking from the dock, Pallister told the court: "I have used this time in prison to rid myself of negative influences."

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