ALLAN SIMPSON FROM STOKE FAILS TO SIGN SEX OFFENDERS' REGISTER ON TIME

In a recent case at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, Allan Simpson, a known sex offender from Stoke, faced legal consequences for failing to adhere to the strict registration requirements mandated by law. Simpson, aged 58, was previously convicted in 2009 of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, which resulted in a 30-month prison sentence and a lifelong obligation to register as a sex offender.

One of the core conditions of his registration order is that he must provide his details at a police station every 12 months. This process is crucial for monitoring and managing the risk posed by convicted sex offenders and is strictly enforced by law enforcement agencies.

Prosecutor John Dove outlined the timeline of Simpson’s failure to comply. He explained that Simpson visited Hanley Police Station on November 8, 2016, to complete his annual registration. According to the legal requirements, he was expected to renew his registration on or before November 8, 2017. However, it was later discovered that Simpson did not fulfill this obligation within the stipulated timeframe.

On November 12, 2017, police officers managing Simpson’s case were made aware that he had not completed his registration. Further investigation revealed that Simpson had actually visited Hanley Police Station on November 13, 2017, and completed his registration, but this was five days after the deadline. This delay constituted a breach of his legal obligations.

During proceedings, Simpson admitted that he was five days late in updating his registration but insisted that the delay was not intentional. He explained that his mother had suffered three strokes, and he was her primary carer at the time, which he claimed contributed to the delay. Simpson expressed remorse for the breach, stating he was sorry for the oversight.

Representing himself in court, Simpson pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to comply with the sex offenders’ register. Magistrates subsequently sentenced him to a conditional discharge for 12 months, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he commits another offence within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £135 and a surcharge of £20.

Simpson’s case highlights the ongoing responsibilities and legal obligations faced by convicted sex offenders, especially regarding timely registration, which is vital for public safety and offender management.