A SEX offender found hiding under the floorboards of his sister’s home has been jailed for more than two years for a raft of offences.

Leslie Robinson was arrested breach of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and of community order imposed for dangerous driving, he was also charged with handling stolen goods following a burglary.

His sister, Stacey Robinson, admitted carrying out the burglary at a property in Hartlepool and assisting an offender when she tried to prevent her brother being arrested for the breach of his SHPO. She was found hiding in a cubby hole in her home.

Thomas Campbell also admitted handling stolen goods in connection with the same burglary, two offences of theft and a fraud.

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, told the court that Leslie Robinson was convicted of sexual assault on a 13-year-old and an indefinite SHPO was imposed following his imprisonment.

Mr Walker said he breached the order in July 2020 when Robinson spent time with two young teenage girls, who were unaware of his previous conviction.

The Northern Echo: Leslie RobinsonLeslie Robinson

The 25-year-old was also found 'hiding underneath the floorboards' when police arrived at his sister's home on Straker Street, Hartlepool, following the burglary of a nearby home when hundreds of pounds worth of gaming equipment was stolen.

Mr Walker said: "Stacey Robinson was found hiding underneath floorboards near a downstairs window, Leslie and Campbell were in the living room. A search of the house revealed numerous bags and suitcases containing items stolen from the address."

All three defendants, of Straker Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to all charges.

Thomas Parson-Munn, for Leslie Robinson, said his client fully accepted that he would be sentenced to a immediate custody and had yet to meet his recently-born child.

Stephen Constantine, for Stacey Robinson, said the 32-year-old has a history of drug abuse and requested to be remanded in custody to tackle her addiction.

And Kate Barnes, for Campbell, said her client had spent the equivalent of an 18-month sentence while on remand.

Judge Paul Watson QC sentenced Leslie Robinson to a total of 28 months for his offences.

He said: "The most serious matter for you is the sentence for breaching your SHPO, you were in regular contact with two young girls over a period of time, this was repeated contact with these two young people."

Stacey Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in custody for the burglary and a concurrent nine months sentence for assisting an offender, while Campbell was sentenced to two year community order for his offences.

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