A CONVICTED child sex offender, pictured at a children's fun day by the Lancashire Telegraph, has now been caught working at a fair.

Unemployed Richard Mason, 20, was found working at a fairground, Preston Crown Court heard, in breach of a sexual offences prevention order.

Judge Simon Newall has now released Mason on bail to be assessed, before he is sentenced.

Mason, a Rawtenstall man of no fixed address, has previous convictions for sex offences against children.

He was placed under a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) at Burnley Crown Court in December 2005. But he had breached that order, restricting his contact with children, when he was pictured by the Lancashire Telegraph at a 'grand prix' style cycling event with youngsters and two beat bobbies in Blackburn town centre.

He was convicted of that breach but has now admitted two further failures, relating to his work at an unnamed fairground in East Lancashire.

Judith McCullough, defending, said: "He is at low risk in supported accommodation but at a higher risk if he is not supported."

Prosecutor Francis McEntee confirmed that Mason's latest convictions referred to his time as a fairground worker.

Judge Newall bailed Mason until July 24 so he could be assessed for possible future sanctions, with a number of conditions.

Mason must live and sleep at a bail hostel, abide by its rules, have no contact with, or visit, any under 18s.

He must also refrain from visiting the home of anyone under 18 and should remain inside the hostel at particular times, specifically at the start and end of the school day and lunchtimes.