Locations
Peter Street, Whitehaven, Cumberland, CA28
Description
A sex offender who failed to declare an address change and bank account details to police has received a suspended prison sentence.
Ricky Bennett, 36, is subject to notification requirements as a registered sex offender and must report personal details and changes to police.
But he neglected to inform them of his move to supported accommodation with vulnerable residents and of opening a new bank account, preventing monitoring, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.
Prosecutor Pamela Fee said Bennett was convicted of a sex offence in Australia and deported to England last year.
She noted he must notify new bank accounts within three days but failed to do so on August 4 last year.
The court heard Bennett was invited to the police station, given a copy of the requirements, and signed to confirm understanding.
After the undeclared account surfaced, Bennett told police he thought they would obtain the details and said they “should have checked.”
A second breach occurred when he moved from Standings Rise, Whitehaven, to supported accommodation at Peter Street.
Police conducted an unannounced visit to Standings Rise on September 13 but got no answer. Bennett later admitted living at Peter Street since June 19.
Ms. Fee said he went unmonitored for three months with “no reasonable excuse,” despite being a five-minute walk from Whitehaven Police Station.
The court also heard Bennett committed theft at Superdrug in Whitehaven on October 16, taking Palmer’s body lotion, Loreal eye products, fragrance items, hair wax, and Loreal face wash worth £75. He was identified by his offender manager via CCTV.
Ms. Fee summarized it as Bennett’s third set of breaches; he was “well aware” of requirements, yet police were unaware of his location for three months amid vulnerable people.
Bennett, of Peter Street, Whitehaven, admitted two charges of failing to comply with Sex Offenders’ Register notifications and one count of shop theft.
Defender John Cooper said Bennett had no prior trouble before the Australian matter last year, had served in the British Army, and suffers PTSD.
On notifications, Mr. Cooper said: “They are quite lengthy forms when you have to register. Every email address, every login for every website you use.
“He thought he had given them the bank details. He hasn’t.
“The more serious allegation is the fact he’s moved address. It’s the Peter Street hostel – it’s accommodation set up in Whitehaven, monitored with CCTV. It’s also got staff working there.
“Police usually have a good idea who is moving in and out the address. I’m quite surprised he was in the Peter Street hostel for that amount of time without police being aware.
“It could be because he has been convicted in Australia, it hasn’t flagged up. Having been made aware of his past, they have allowed him to stay there and he remains there until this day.”
Mr. Cooper added Bennett stole due to lacking money, calling it “a stupid thing to do” amid investigations for graver offences.
Magistrates imposed a nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months. Bennett must complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £40 fine, £75 compensation to Superdrug, and £187 victim surcharge.