Darren Harris, a convicted flasher from Cramlington, has appeared in court for failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements while homeless. The 43-year-old, who was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register in 2023 after being convicted of exposure, failed to register with police every seven days as required when he has no fixed address.
Homelessness Leads to Breach
Harris had recently become homeless and was living in a tent in Northumberland. He initially informed police of his living arrangements on May 19 but failed to get back in touch a week later. He became a wanted man and eventually handed himself in six weeks later.
Appearing in custody at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, Harris pleaded guilty to not complying with the sex offender notification requirements. Prosecutor Jade Houston noted it was Harris's third breach of the order in three years, with the last being in May this year.
Court Details
Miss Houston said: "The defendant is subject to the sex offender notification requirements, which were put in place in 2023 after he was convicted of exposure. He registered that he was of no fixed abode with the police on May 19 and, as part of the notification requirements, must continue to do so every seven days whilst he is homeless. He failed to do so and he was circulated as wanted by the police."
The court heard that Harris has 102 offences on his record and was last in court just two months ago. His defence lawyer, Karen Minhas, said: "He simply forgot to attend the police station because he was struggling with his mental health around that time. As a result of him struggling, he found himself in a dark place and him having to register with the police just fell out of his mind. He did hand himself in and he remains living in a tent."
Next Steps
Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and released Harris on unconditional bail. He is due to appear back at the same court on July 22.
