A REGISTERED sex offender failed to notify police of a change of address when he moved to Scotland and then returned to his home town.

Stefan Baronowski, 46, of Adelaide Terrace, Shildon, did not inform police of his whereabouts after moving to Scotland to try to find work, South Durham Magistrates Court, in Darlington, heard yesterday.

Baronowski, who sells The Big Issue in Darlington, had informed police that he had moved north and was residing in guest houses while looking for a job.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said Baronowski did not inform police when he returned to his mother's home in Shildon.

He admitted the charge of failing to notify the police of his change of address.

Magistrates granted Baronowski a conditional discharge for six months and ordered him to pay £55 costs.