Description
A persistent sex offender says he "holds his hands up" after he was found to be hiding a mobile phone inside a sock when police searched his home.
Liam Hunter, 29, was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order - due to end in 2025 - in 2019 after he was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and meeting a girl under the age of 16 following sexual grooming.
Hunter was jailed for three-and-a-half years and released, but was still subject to the order which means he had to tell police if he acquires a device that is capable of accessing the internet within three days.
Prosecutor Austin Newman told Leeds Crown Court on Friday that Hunter was visited at his home in Harehills by his police offender manager on February 28 this year and was asked about his possession of any devices capable of accessing the internet.
Mr Newman said: "He denied having any, saying he was waiting for the probation service to supply him with a phone. Shortly after, a mobile phone fell from his pocket, only his table. It was seized by the officer and it was apparent it was a smart phone capable of accessing the internet. He was asked why he lied and said he had only got the phone that day but this was plainly another lie."
When officers viewed the search history of the phone, there was a search history going back to February 18. An examination of the device showed Hunter had searched the internet using the term "animal porn."
Mr Newman told the court Hunter was arrested and during that arrest he indicated he wanted to take some clothing with him. A search was carried out and another mobile phone was found inside one of his socks. During his interview, the court was told, he made "full and frank admissions." He went on to plead guilty to two breaches of the sexual harm prevention order.
Representing himself, Hunter said: "I'd just like to apologise for my behaviour. I fully admit it and hold my hands up. I was wrong and that's why I thought I didn't need a defence."
Hunter told the judge he "fully respects" his decision and added: "There's nothing more I can really say."
His Honour Judge Batty jailed him for 20 months and said he will be released on licence halfway through the sentence.