Michael Hampson 35

Description

Sex offender Michael Hampson, 35, failed to inform police about a Samsung Galaxy tablet. He initially lied, claiming an empty Samsung Galaxy box by his settee belonged to a former resident.

Officers found the tablet under the sofa and arrested him. It marked his 10th breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Hampson has now been jailed for 16 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

The SHPO prohibits him from using internet-capable devices without notifying police within three days. Devices must retain internet history and be available for inspection. On October 17, police visited his home and spotted the box.

Prosecutor Josh Daley said: "He allowed them in. They spoke in the lounge. Police noted an empty box for a Samsung Galaxy tablet. He said it was not his and it belonged to a previous resident. Police suspected he may have a further device. They conducted a search. They asked him to stand up. He admitted he had a tablet under the sofa. Police located it and seized it. He had only obtained the tablet the day before. He is not in breach for failing to register it but in breach for failing to make it available for inspection."

The court heard Hampson was convicted of two charges of encouraging a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He has nine prior SHPO breach convictions.

Hampson, of Maryfield Walk, Penkhull, pleaded guilty to the breach.

Mitigating, Paul Cliff said: "He does exhibit some remorse for his offending. His words are, 'I need to stop telling lies'. It was foolish to push the tablet under the sofa. He initially denied he was in possession of that item. It was driven by panic. He was in possession of the tablet for less than 24 hours at the time."

Recorder Robert Smith said: "You are a loner. You are quite isolated. The way you deal with that situation is to constantly lie to professionals who are charged with protecting the public. The purpose of the SHPO is to stop you having sexualised conversations with children. Your previous convictions seriously aggravate the position.

"There is some truth to what you said to the pre-sentence report writer, in that you lead an isolated and lonely life. But if you keep dealing with matters in the way you are I will keep sending you to prison for longer and longer. You have two choices, comply with the order or keep getting prison sentences. You need to stop flagrantly breaching the orders of this court. The court's patience with you has run out. Your offending is so serious and persistent, immediate imprisonment is inevitable and unavoidable."