A CONVICTED sex offender has been given a suspended prison sentence after she set up a TikTok account without registering it with police.

Serena Ransom changed her profile name and made the account private after her partner’s ex-husband became concerned that one of his children had attempted to befriend the 26-year-old.

Ransom was made subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and a notification order following her conviction for sexually assaulting two underage girls in 2015 after jurors found her guilty.

She was found guilty of one charge of sexual assault, one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual activity with a child.

For those offences, Ransom was sentenced to 18 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order banning her from work or unsupervised contact with under-16s.

The defendant was back before Teesside Crown Court for two breaches of her order after she stayed overnight at her partner’s home where she lived with her five children and the setting up of the social media account.

Ian Mullarkey, prosecuting, said Ransom had previously breached her sexual harm prevention order or notification order since it was imposed in September 2015 when she set up an unregistered Facebook account and for approaching a young boy in a shopping centre and 'ruffling his hair' despite being barred from approaching children without parental consent.

He said the fist offence happened when Ransom stayed at an unregistered address after spending the night drinking with her partner and another friend.

In relation to the TikTok account, Mr Mullarkey added: "She said she had the account for about four weeks before it was discovered and accepted she changed accounts name because she didn't want it to be discovered by the police."

Ransom, of Brompton Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to both breaches.

Nigel Soppitt, in mitigation, said his client was adjudged that she is potentially a high risk of re-offending due to her non-compliance with the court orders but told the judge she has shown no sexual interest in children since her conviction six years.

He added the offences were 'reckless rather than malicious' and no children were at risk at the time of either offence in September and October last year.

Recorder Craig Hassall told her she has 'got to stop breaching this sexual harm prevention order' or she will be facing custody.

He said: "When I came into court today I was going to lock you up, I was going to send you to custody for these offences."

Ransom was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and made subject to a six-month curfew. She must also undertake 120 hours unpaid work and carry out 30 rehabilitation activity days.