A FAGIN-STYLE sex offender, who once sparked a nationwide manhunt, has been arrested for breaching a court order designed to reduce the risk of him re-offending Gary Dover-Afflick, a sex offender, drug dealer and Satanist, was convicted for a string of offences in 1997 at Bristol Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Yesterday, the 46-year-old, of Cheshire Road, Stockton, appeared before Teesside magistrates charged with two breaches of his sexual offences prevention order.

He is accused of failing to notify police he had moved address and deliberately giving a false name when he was stopped during a routine search by police.

Tahira Bourchier, prosecuting, said Dover-Afflick was charged with failing to notify the police he had not been living permanently at his address during a three month period up to late May.

He is also accused of giving a police officer a false name when he was stopped while walking along Norton Road, Stockton, on June 7.

During the short hearing, Dover-Afflick did not enter a plea and no bail application was made as a suitable address was not available to the court.

His solicitor, Lee Goodchild, said his client was charged with serious offences by using a deliberate policy of avoiding contact with police over a long period, but did not wish to enter a plea to the charges.

A manhunt was launched in 2007, when he went missing after being released from prison, where he was serving time for blackmail, supplying drugs and indecent assault.

Bristol Crown Court heard how he selected rootless youngsters, usually between nine and 14, and offered them shelter in squats and flats. He gave them drugs, lectured them about Satanism, and kept them in line with a series of beatings and sexual assaults.

Dover-Afflick was released from HMP Garth, in Preston, and was due to attend Millgarth Police Station, in Leeds, but failed to turn up, sparking the nationwide search.

Yesterday, District Judge Nick Haynes remanded Dover-Afflick in custody until July 7 when he will next appear before the court via video link.