Registered sex-offender discovered living with teen

A 46-year-old Newtown sex offender has been sent to jail after it was revealed he was living with a 16-year-old boy.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard the man was in a relationship with the boy’s grandmother, according to the Herald Sun.

Compliance Officers attended a property in Newtown twelve months ago, where a 16-year-old boy answered the door.

The Sun reports the court was told the boy was staying with his grandmother and the accused.

As a registered sex offender, the 46-year-old was required to report any interactions between himself and any children to the police, but the accused’s lawyer told the court he did not inform the police because he didn’t want to start an argument with his partner at the time.

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said those requirements were imposed to “protect vulnerable members of our community.”

“You well know your obligations under those legislations and you well know the consequences of breaching those orders, yet you allowed the child to remain at those premises,” she said.

In an unrelated incident, the man was intercepted by police when driving down Ryrie Street in December 2021.

The court heard the accused never held a driver’s licence and tested positive for two illegal drugs. 

He was sentenced to seven days in gaol and was fined $1,200.