ANDREW MCGOWAN'S SHAMEFUL ESCAPE FROM JUSTICE IN NEWCASTLE: HOMELESSNESS AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEX OFFENDER RULES
Andrew McGowan, a registered sex offender residing in Newcastle, found himself back in court after a series of violations related to his notification obligations under the sex offenders register.The 58-year-old man’s failure to adhere to legal requirements has once again brought him under judicial scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by offenders in maintaining compliance.
According to court proceedings at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, McGowan was rendered homeless earlier this year following his eviction from his residence in May.
Despite his change in circumstances, he neglected to inform Northumbria Police that he was now without a fixed address, a breach of his statutory duties.
The court was informed that after losing his home, McGowan had been sleeping rough under an archway near Forth Banks Police Station, a makeshift shelter he resorted to while awaiting alternative accommodation.
The prosecution, led by Brian Payne, outlined the gravity of McGowan’s non-compliance.
Payne emphasized that McGowan is subject to strict notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act, which mandate that individuals on the sex offenders register must inform police of any change of address, including if they become homeless.
Payne recounted that McGowan’s last known address was abandoned, and police investigations revealed he had been evicted.
Despite this, McGowan failed to notify authorities of his homelessness or his new location, which is a legal obligation for offenders, regardless of their housing status.
Police tracked McGowan down after inquiries confirmed he had obtained new accommodation.
Under the law, he was required to notify the police within three days of securing a new residence, but he did not do so.
This oversight led to his arrest and subsequent interview, during which McGowan admitted to the breaches from the outset.
The court heard that McGowan had last been in trouble in 2018, when he failed to comply with a sexual harm prevention order, and that he is monitored regularly by offender managers.
McGowan, who resides at Virginia House, Elswick, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with the notification requirements mandated by the sex offenders register.
His defense lawyer, Adrian Ions, provided context for his client’s actions, explaining that McGowan had faced financial difficulties and was evicted by his landlord, though not through a court order.
Ions stated that McGowan returned home one night to find his locks changed and reported this incident to the police, asserting that eviction without a court order is unlawful.
He further explained that McGowan, fearing for his safety, chose to sleep outdoors temporarily, specifically under the archway near Forth Banks police station, where he believed police were aware of his presence but not the correct officers.
Following legal advice and support from the housing and homelessness charity Shelter, McGowan was able to secure temporary accommodation.
Within three days, he was offered a permanent room, and his housing provider confirmed they are aware of his whereabouts at all times.
Ions also highlighted that McGowan suffers from significant mental health issues, which may have contributed to his difficulties in complying with legal obligations.
In sentencing, the chair of the bench, Nick Hooker, ordered McGowan to pay a total fine of £197, comprising an £80 fine, £85 in costs, and a £32 surcharge.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of adherence to legal requirements for sex offenders, especially those facing additional challenges such as homelessness and mental health issues, in the ongoing effort to protect the community and ensure compliance with the law.
