A registered sex offender who made indecent images of children has been jailed for breaching a court order.

Richard Howes, of Prospect Row, Chatham, had been banned from keeping any new internet-enabled devices without first notifying the police.

It followed an earlier conviction at Maidstone Crown Court in August 2021 for making indecent images of children.

At the time he was handed a suspended sentence and slapped with a sexual harm prevention order requiring him to notify the police within three days if he acquired any new devices and to make them available for inspection.

However, after suspecting Howes had a new phone which he had failed to tell them about officers visited him on February 28.

Howes presented a phone and a tablet for inspection and denied having any other devices.

He was arrested and a search of his property uncovered two further tablets and another phone he had not declared.

The 59-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to three breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced on Thursday, October 3 to one year and six months’ imprisonment.

This included six months for breaching a suspended sentence.

Investigating officer, PC Areolito Gashi, said: “When an offender receives a sexual harm prevention order the restrictions on their conduct are explained and they sign to confirm they understand what is required of them

“The offender then has to show they can comply with the conditions over a period set by the court.

“Howes failed to demonstrate he could be trusted whilst at large in the community and must now reflect on his failure whilst behind bars.”