A JUDGE has handed a suspended prison sentence to a 64-year-old Whitehaven sex offender who hid his mobile phone from the police.

When asked in May of last year if he had any undisclosed internet enabled devices, Brian Turnbull deliberately failed to mention a Samsung smartphone which he had acquired, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The defendant, of Rudds Court, Whitehaven, was sentenced for breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order, which was imposed in April 2018.

Judge Nicholas Barker said that order was imposed to protect the public because Turnbull had been shown to have an “unhealthy interest” in children.

The order aimed to ensure that Turnbull’s use of the internet was monitored and controlled by the police.

When challenged about the phone, he claimed he had it for innocent purposes – so that he could speak to relatives via WhatsApp. Yet he had hidden he phone from the police and this was a reason for suspicion, said the judge.

But Judge Barker said there was no evidence of him having used the phone for any improper purpose.

He imposed a 12-month jail term but suspended the sentence for two years. Turnbull must complete 20 days of rehabilitation and a two-month 7pm to 4am curfew.

The judge, who also noted the defendant’s mental health difficulties, said this would allow the defendant to exercise his dog. He warned the defendant: “Should you breach [the order] again then the overwhelming likelihood is that you will go to prison.

“This court expects its orders to be obeyed by you. You have had your chance.”