Sex offender who secured work at Sheffield homeless charity back behind bars

Sheffield Crown Court heard on April 29 how John Martin, aged 52, of no fixed abode, admitted breaching his SOPO six times after he moved from Belfast to Sheffield.

Martin pleaded guilty to failing to inform the authorities of two new addresses in Sheffield, illegally using an iphone and failing to register a phone with the authorities.

He also admitted taking voluntary work at the Archer Project, at Sheffield Cathedral, without authorisation as well as failing to comply with notification requirements by failing to register a bank card with police.

Laura Marshall said Martin had originally been jailed for two offences including having sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and he was placed on the Sex Offender Register and made subject to a SOPO for seven-years.

She added he moved from Belfast and stayed at two different addresses in Sheffield without authorisation in February.

Martin obtained a mobile phone which he failed to register, according to Ms Marshall, and he obtained another phone with internet capability which he is not allowed to use.

Ms Marshall added Martin also volunteered to work at the Archer Project charity for the homeless, on Campo Lane, Sheffield, without authorisation to do so.

Tim Gaubert, defending, said Martin had left Belfast after receiving threats and he put his head in the sand concerning his requirements.

Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced Martin to 16-months of custody.