A CONVICTED sex offender invited two boys aged 11 and six into his home despite a life-long sexual prevention order (SOPO) being in force against him.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Shaun Yates had initially made contact with the boys when they saw him and two other sex offenders playing with a remote control car in the street.

Yates, 34, of Pringle Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breach of a SOPO and was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court to be sentenced.

Eddie Harrison, prosecuting, said the SOPO had been made by Wrexham magistrates in October, 2003, and the first prohibition was that he should not have any contact with children under 17 years of age.

On May 11 he was on the street playing with a remote control car when he was approached by the 11 year-old boy who asked would they try and repair his car.

"As a result the boy attended at the home of the defendant's friend along with his six year-old brother," said Mr Harrison. "They were invited in and given food and drink and allowed to play on the Playstation.

"The defendant and his friend gave them a Playstation game and a mobile phone number to contact them on.

"The concern of the prosecution is what was behind this behaviour when it is viewed against his record which includes numerous convictions of a sexual nature some involving children.

"He has been associating with two other known sex offenders which is also of great concern to the police."

Michael Blacklidge said the address in Trevor Close belonged to a friend who Yates had known all his life.

"Other people had been visiting and as you have heard all three adult males present at the time the boys visited had sex convictions," said Mr Blacklidge.

Sending the case to the Crown Court for sentence, the chairman of the magistrates said the life order had been made to protect the public, especially children, from serious sexual harm.