HAROLD MOSLEY JAILED IN SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD FOR SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION FAILURE AFTER COCKROACH INFESTATION

In December 2015, Harold Mosley, a resident of Sutton-in-Ashfield, was sentenced to two months in prison after failing to adhere to the strict requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register, following a series of violations linked to his recent living arrangements and prior convictions.

Mosley, who was unemployed at the time, had initially been ordered to register with the authorities after being found in possession of indecent images of children. Despite the legal obligation to keep police informed of any change in his residence, he attempted to evade detection by going underground, a move that led to his incarceration.

The incident that precipitated his jail sentence was triggered by his decision to leave his flat in Sutton-in-Ashfield due to a cockroach infestation, which he claimed made the living conditions intolerable. After vacating the flat, Mosley was found to be residing in a caravan, but he failed to notify the police of his new address, breaching the conditions of his registration.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Miss Almas Ben-Aribia explained that Mosley had been ordered to sign the register last year after his arrest for possessing indecent images. Legally, he was permitted to move residences, but he was required to inform the police of his new location. Recorder Jason MacAdam emphasized that failing to do so constituted a breach of the law, stating, “He had gone underground and failing to notify meant a breach of the requirements.”

Despite his non-compliance, Mosley participated in an educational program designed to highlight the harm caused by child abuse images, which was considered a positive aspect of his rehabilitation efforts. However, his failure to update his address remained a serious violation.

Initially, Mosley told police that his address was in Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, where officers found him living in a room above a takeaway café. When officers revisited the location in August, they discovered he had left, and the landlord confirmed that no rent had been paid. Mosley did not provide a forwarding address, nor did he disclose his whereabouts to authorities.

Subsequently, police received a tip-off indicating that Mosley was living alone on a caravan park. Following this information, officers located him and confirmed his residence there. He subsequently pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders’ Register.

During mitigation, Chris Hogg explained that Mosley was candid during police interviews, admitting that he had left his flat approximately three months prior to his arrest due to the cockroach infestation. He moved directly to the caravan park, asserting that he was never of fixed abode. The court was reminded that compliance with registration laws is mandatory, regardless of personal circumstances or reluctance, with the judge emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal obligations.