Sex offender jailed for failing to tell police about his address situation

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A sex offender has admitted failing to tell police about the situation regarding his address.

Mark Kennedy (37), of no fixed address in Belfast, committed the offence on September 24 this year.

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He appeared via video link from prison at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena.

A prosecutor told the court the defendant told police he was of no fixed abode following his release from prison.

The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Photo: PacemakerThe case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Photo: Pacemaker
The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Photo: Pacemaker

He was then told to notify police of his housing position on a weekly basis and when he had not done that he was arrested.

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The court heard the notification requirement followed the defendant's appearance at Newry Crown Court in August 2021 and runs until 2028.

A defence lawyer said the defendant finds himself in a "Catch 22" as when released from custody he attends a police station. "The difficulty is he is unable to access accommodation," the barrister said.

Regarding the week when he did not contact police, the defendant had been the victim of a "serious assault" and was in hospital, the lawyer said. The defendant was given a two months jail term.