Homeless convicted sex offender failed to report to police.

Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced for Breaching Registration Requirements

Kevin Melody, 51, of Laithe Street, Burnley, was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching sex offender registration requirements.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Melody had failed to register with police every seven days as required, missed an appointment with the probation service, and failed to appear in court on two occasions.

District Judge Alexandra Preston acknowledged the "chaotic" period in Melody's life, including his struggles with homelessness, as a mitigating factor in her decision to suspend the prison sentence.

"I am prepared to suspend the prison sentence because I have heard about the problems of being homeless that you have had this year," said District Judge Preston.

Julia Draper, prosecuting, explained that Melody's requirement to report to the police every seven days was a way for authorities to monitor his whereabouts, particularly due to his homelessness.

"He claimed he went to Nelson police station to sign on but it was closed. He then went to Burnley police station but says he was dragged down an alley and beaten up and told to stay out of Burnley," said Miss Draper.

Janet Sime, representing Melody, highlighted his difficulties with accommodation and acknowledged his failure to sign on and attend probation appointments.

"Within the last few days he has obtained an address with a friend and hopefully that will make things easier," said Miss Sime. "If he has an address he only has to sign on every 12 months."