A SEX offender who failed to notify the police of his change of address has been jailed for 15 months.

David Hughes, 39, was jailed for six years for rape in 1995 and was required by law to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.

But Maidstone Crown Court heard that during a routine check in October this year, police officers discovered Hughes had not been living with his father at the registered address in Derwent Way, Rainham, but at his girlfriend's in Strood.

Hughes was arrested and he told police that he had been staying "on and off" with his girlfriend. She was aware of his conviction but not his obligation to register where he was living.

Hughes admitted failing to comply with notification requirements of a sex offender order between October 1 and 31 at an earlier hearing at Medway magistrates. He was committed to the crown court for sentence.

Prosecutor Jane Scotchmer said Hughes had a total of seven convictions for similar failures between 2003 and 2005, as well as a caution in 2002.

At the time of this offence Hughes was also in breach of three suspended sentences totalling 170 days suspended for two years for burglary, theft and a public order offence.

Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Michael Lawson QC said Hughes had been warned a number of times. He also jailed him for 60 days consecutive to the 15 months for the breaches.

Hughes has already served 41 days on remand.