A CONVICTED child sex offender failed to complete his annual registration with the police.

Blackburn magistrates heard Paul Douglas Taylor was fully aware of the requirements because he had done it on 14 other occasions.

But his solicitor said because of the confusion caused by coronavirus lockdown his client had simply lost track of time.

Taylor, 52, of Spencer Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements. He was fined £80 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge after the magistrates said they accepted the offence was at the lower end of the scale.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, under the terms of the sexual offender register Taylor was required to register his address with the police every 12 months even if there was no change to the details.

"He had complied with the condition on 14 previous occasions so clearly understood the requirement," said Mrs Yates. "He told police he had forgotten."

Gareth Price, defending, said people committing similar offences who the police deemed to he high risk would normally be kept in custody and put before the courts.

"My client was released back into the community on unconditional bail despite the current situation meaning he would not be appearing for some time," said Mr Price. "The police clearly considered him a very low risk."

Mr Price said when police realised he hadn't registered they went to his address and found him there.

"He says he just got confused about the dates," said Mr Price. "In the current circumstances, when nothing is normal, it is easy to lose track of the day or date."