A sex offender opened a Facebook account without telling police as required by his registration requirements.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Ewan Lumley had only been out of prison two weeks when officers discovered the unregistered account.

Lumley, 26, of St Peter Street bail hostel, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements. He was jailed for 12 weeks.

The court heard he had already been recalled on prison licence until January 27, 2025.

Rachael Evans, prosecuting, said having opened the account Lumley posted pictures of himself which were clearly taken in the bail hostel where he was living.

“Requirements of the sex offender register say that if he has access to social media he must inform the police,” said Miss Evans.

Wazeem Chowdhary, in mitigation, said when police approached him Lumley handed over his phone and co-operated fully.

“No harm was caused to anyone and I would say it was a minor breach,” said Mr Chowdhary.