ALEX BALCOMBE FROM PENRITH JAILED FOR FAILING TO REPORT MOVE TO POLICE

In July 2022, a serious breach of legal obligations by a Penrith resident resulted in his imprisonment. Alex Nicholas Balcombe, aged 27, who had previously been convicted of sexual assault and voyeurism, failed to inform the authorities of a change in his residential status, which is a violation of the conditions set out for individuals listed on the national Sex Offenders’ Register.

Balcombe’s prior convictions also included the act of disclosing a private sexual photograph, adding to the severity of his criminal record. The case was brought before Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant admitted to not complying with the terms of his sex offender registration. The court proceedings revealed that Balcombe did not notify police that he was no longer residing at his registered address, which is a direct breach of his legal obligations.

District Judge John Temperley sentenced Balcombe to a total of 31 weeks in jail, following the imposition of various suspended sentences. The court heard that between July 1 and July 13, Balcombe was not at his known address, which was at Greystoke Park Avenue, Penrith. His failure to update his status as “of no fixed abode” was a key factor in the breach of his registration requirements.

During the hearing, Balcombe was represented by his defence lawyer, Chris Toms. The case underscores the importance of compliance with sex offender registration laws and highlights the consequences faced by those who neglect their legal duties, especially when such neglect can hinder law enforcement efforts to monitor and manage offenders effectively.