A CONVICTED sex offender began a relationship with a man using a smart phone he was bound by a strict court order to tell police about.

But David Nowak failed to disclose that device, along with an Amazon Fire Stick, and instead stashed them in guttering outside his house.

Carlisle Crown Court heard 47-year-old Nowak had been sentenced in 2017 for making and possessing illegal child images.

As part of his punishment, he was made subject to the strict terms of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) imposing tough curbs on his online use.

But on January 4, Nowak’s police offender manager became aware of concerns about his use of the Grindr dating app.

It emerged he’d set up an account on the social media platform — in flagrant breach of a SHPO condition — and legitimately communicated with a man with whom he then formed an on-off relationship.

“Having discovered Grindr use by Mr Nowak,” said prosecutor Gerard Rogerson, “officers attended his home address and carried out a search.

They asked him whether he had any devices that he had not declared. He denied that he had.”

But police found a router which appeared connected to a phone, and when interviewed Nowak then made telling disclosures.

“Recovered in guttering outside the property, wrapped in plastic, were a Samsung folding phone and Amazon fire stick,” said Mr Rogerson.

Nowak hadn’t informed police about either, resulting in two further SHPO breaches.

Nowak, previously of Jollybeard Gate in Alston and latterly of Wastwater Road, Whitehaven, had been in custody since his arrest in January. The court heard of his personal, behaviour and learning difficulties.

Nowak admitted three SHPO breaches, but his lawyer Sean Harkin stressed the prospects of rehabilitation were 'good'.

Recorder Julian Shaw told Nowak: “There is no indication that these matters which have brought you back before the court for breach proceedings have involved or been related to any unlawful activity with children,” said the judge.

“They are, however, in breach of the order and for that you have been prosecuted, you have pleaded guilty and I must now sentence you.”

The judge imposed a two-year community order comprising a rehabilitation requirement. The SHPO remains in force.