Prison sentence for sex offender who failed to notify Tipperary gardai of his address

A CONVICTED sex offender who failed to notify gardai in Tipperary where he was living has been sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.

The man, aged in his sixties, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Judge Marie Keane at Nenagh District Court.

Sergeant Regina McCarthy said the defendant was convicted of rape at the Central Criminal Court last summer and that he received a lengthy prison sentence just before Christmas.

She said he left his previous accommodation following his conviction and was “sleeping rough” in a town in North Tipperary for a number of months last year.

The man, who appeared before the court via video link from prison, failed to notify gardai of his change in circumstances as required by law.

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Under the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023, individuals subject to notification requirements must notify An Garda Síochána of their name and address and any changes to these details within three days.

Solicitor John Spencer said his client, who has a number of previous convictions for sexual offences, is single and lives alone. 

He said the man, who has serious health issues, vacated his previous accommodation in anticipation that he would receive a prison sentence and that the offence was an “oversight”.

Judge Keane said the man’s behaviour represented a “significant risk to the public”, particularly given his previous history.

“It is essential he complies with the requirements, he must notify gardai,” she commented.

A two month prison sentence was imposed, to be served concurrently with the sentence imposed for the rape offence.