A CONVICTED child rapist changed his name and spoke of taking a “one-way flight to Spain” with a new passport he hadn’t declared to police.

Steven Logan, now aged 25, was locked up for five years and eight months as a 19-year-old for a raft of serious sexual offences. These included raping a child aged under 13 and under 16.

Logan’s punishment also included strict sex offender notification requirements and he was placed under the supervision of a police detective after being released from custody on licence.

But he went on to commit three separate breaches during the course of several months last year, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Beccy McGregor said Logan first signed a six-month tenancy agreement for a property in Workington during May last year as he relocated from the Barrow area.

Logan then changed his name, in September by deed poll, to Owen James Edevane. He should have declared the changes of name and address within three days but did not — and even wrongly stated on a document he is required to sign annually that there were no changes the police needed to know about.

A third breach occurred as Logan obtained a passport in the new name.

His phone was seized and revealed a number of messages showing a “clear and determined effort” to alter his details and “take control” of his future.

“There was also a message about him saying once he has his new passport he will take a one-way flight to Spain; talking there about starting a new life,” said Ms McGregor.

In a Snapchat exchange, Logan described himself, wrongly, being only 17.

He was interviewed by police, and the prosecutor said: “He described wanting a fresh start and kept putting off telling the police. He was also in the process of changing his driving licence. He didn’t know why he had lied when completing his annual registration.”

Logan, of Wilson Street, Workington, admitted the three breaches. Sean Harkin, defending, said of the Spain claim: “The conversation with his friend would appear to be just all talk and not backed up with any action. There were no firm plans. It was something of a pipe dream.”

Judge Nicholas Barker concluded it was “deliberate and protracted” offending but suspended a 12-month jail term for two years. After being spared prison Logan, who must complete rehabilitation and 100 hours’ unpaid work, told the judge: “I won’t let you down. I promise.”

'Adherence is absolutely non-negotiable'

Speaking after the sentencing, a spokesperson from the West Cumbria Sex Offender Management Unit said: “The system of notification requirements which compel registered sex offenders to update police with changes of names, address, travel documents and other details are extremely important and help police to locate and trace offenders, should the need arise.

“Adherence to these requirements is absolutely non-negotiable.

"Steven Logan – aka Owen Edevane – had the mistaken belief that his move from Barrow-in-Furness to Workington would go unnoticed.

"He changed his name and even obtained a passport with the new details."

The spokesperson added: “The public expects the police to robustly monitor and manage sex offenders living in the community.

“The court outcome will extend the length of time he is monitored in the community by a number of years.”