A CONVICTED sex offender failed to register with the police within three days of being released from prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Joseph Cooksley was two days late signing on at the police station as he was required to do under the conditions of being on the sex offender register.

Cooksley, 36, of St Peter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements. He was fined £100 with £130 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Cooksley had been released from prison on September 5 and was reminded by his probation officer, two days later, of the need for him to register with the police within five days.

Richard Prew, defending, said it had been a simple oversight on his client's part.

"He is lucky that the probation service are still prepared to work with him, his accommodation is still available to him and he is not being recalled on prison licence," said Mr Prew. "He hopes his luck continues and you consider this a minor breach."