Paedophile jailed for failing to reveal phones

Roland Mitchell had been ordered to show all internet-enabled devices to police

A paedophile with a long history of offending has been jailed for 10 months for failing to tell police he had multiple mobile phones.

Since being convicted of making indecent images in 2016, Roland Mitchell, 74, was supposed to declare any devices he had that were capable of accessing the internet or storing images, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

But when officers visited his home in Newcastle in November last year, he failed to tell them he had three mobile phones, a laptop, tablet and three camcorders.

Mitchell, of Cambridge Street, admitted seven offences including failing to comply with a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

'Appalling record'

The court heard Mitchell had a history of committing sex offences against children under the age of 13, dating back to the 1960s.

These included gross indecency and indecent assaults of young girls which had resulted in multiple jail terms throughout his life.

The SHPO was made to last indefinitely after his 2016 conviction and required him to hand over any devices to police for inspection upon request.

His risk management officer became suspicious when, during a visit on 30 November, Mitchell produced a phone with very little internet search history.

He was arrested and a search of his home yielded multiple devices.

Mitchell also had to register any changes in his circumstances but failed to do so when he got a new bank account and passport, the court heard.

Judge Penny Moreland said Mitchell had an "appalling history of sexual offending" and the restrictions were in place to protect the public.