Convicted sex offender jailed after staying at the home of a young mother without telling her about his previous convictions.

Convicted Sex Offender Jailed for Failing to Notify Authorities of Residence

A convicted sex offender has been jailed after staying at the home of a young mother without informing her of his previous convictions.

David Spencer, 36, was subject to lifetime sex offender registration following a seven-year prison sentence for sexual offenses against girls, imposed by Newcastle Crown Court in February 2013. Upon his release, Spencer was required to notify police of his residence, social media accounts, and banking details.

Teesside Crown Court heard that concerns arose when Spencer failed to return to his accommodation for several nights. He was eventually located at the 18-year-old's home.

Prosecutor Annelise Haugstad stated that Spencer was residing in supported housing in August 2022 and was reported missing on multiple occasions. Police investigations revealed he had been staying at the 18-year-old's home for seven consecutive nights without registering the address.

Haugstad highlighted that the woman, who had been introduced to Spencer by a friend, was unaware of his past convictions. "I didn't know anything about his past but if I had, I wouldn't have had anything to do with him," the woman stated in a victim impact statement.

Spencer, formerly of Fencehouses, near Houghton-le-Spring, and currently residing at a charity-run men's hostel in Plawsworth, admitted to eight charges of failing to comply with his notification requirements between July 18 and October 12, 2022.

Defense attorney Victoria Lamballe asserted that Spencer had utilized his time in remand by participating in various courses.

Judge Paul Watson KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, sentenced Spencer to 12 months in custody, but informed him of an impending release due to his seven months already spent on remand.