October 2009 Judge hits out at police over sex case A judge has lashed out at police for their “poor” handling of a case involving a Gloucester sex offender. Andrew Robinson, of Kingsholm Road, Gloucester, admitted not informing the police of his change of address within three days as required under the Sex Offenders’ Register. The 33-year-old was jailed in 2006 for nine months for sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16. But he was back at Gloucester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Sharon Green, prosecuting, said: “Police conducted a home visit to find that the defendant had, according to his mother, moved out.” But Matthew Harbison, defending, said: “My client was unaware he was required to attend the police station in person to inform them about any change of address, but he did telephone.” When District Judge Martin Brown learned the police had made no notes of their visit to the defendant’s mother’s address and had produced no evidence concerning the offence, he described their actions as “unforgivable”. He said: “The police have done a poor job and this is really a nonsense. “There is no evidence and no note and this is a poorly prepared case. “The whole thing is a mess. “The defendant was arrested on the strength of his mother’s comments and no statement has been taken. “I am awarding no prosecution costs because this case has not been properly prepared.” Robinson was fined £170.