A CONVICTED sex offender has been given a conditional discharge after he failed to register an Instagram account with police.

Justin Towner had the account for three years before it was spotted by officers but his defence lawyer said there had been 'no nefarious' behaviour associated with the online app.

The 33-year-old was also charged with driving whilst disqualified and resisting arrest in October and November last year, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said the account 'Justin Kent Boy' had been set up by the defendant and knew he was expected to inform the police.

The court heard how in November last year Towner injured a police officer's thumb when he resisted arrest following complaints about a domestic incident.

Towner, of Hampden Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to breaching the terms of his notification requirements as well as resisting arrest and driving whilst disqualified.

Chris Morrison, in mitigation, said there was no evidence that Instagram account had been used for 'salacious or nefarious' reasons and told the judge it was a 'technical breach'.

Recorder Anthony Kelbrick warned Towner he would face custody if he breached his 12 month conditional discharge and disqualified him from driving for three months.

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