A convicted sex offender who failed to notify police of his travel to the Netherlands and failed to annually report his details has been sentenced to one month in prison.
The 31-year-old’s barrister told court that his client had been “homeless” whilst in Europe and had been brought back due to issues with his mental health.
Reuben John Glen, with an address of Colban Crescent in Lurgan, pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of travel as a sex offender and failing to make an annual report at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on July 11, police on patrol of Church Street, Lurgan, observed the defendant.
Checks revealed that he was wanted by police in relation to failing to notify police of travel and failing to make an annual report.
When cautioned, Glen told officers that he did not have the time to tell people about where he was going.
Court heard that the breach referred to the defendant travelling to the Netherlands by plane, and the particulars outline this occurred on December 13, of 2020.
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay stated that his client had been “homeless” whilst in Europe and had been brought back due to issues with his mental health.
He added that his client had been in custody since July 13, having been handed another sentence, and apologised for not making his annual signing.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented that given the seriousness of the offence and the length of time Glen had been in custody there was only one sentence which could be imposed.
The defendant was sentenced to one month in custody for the offences before the court.
