KEVIN FLEMING JAILS IN KIRKCALDY FOR FAILING TO REPORT ADDRESS CHANGE

Kevin Fleming, a convicted sex offender from Kirkcaldy, was sentenced to four months in prison after he was found guilty of neglecting to inform authorities about a change in his residential address. The incident came to light during a court appearance at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where Fleming appeared from custody to face charges related to his failure to comply with the mandatory notification requirements for sex offenders.

Fleming, aged 48, admitted to a single charge of not updating the police about his current whereabouts. The court was informed that he had not communicated his new address to an officer from the offender management unit, claiming that his failure to do so was due to his homelessness and his habit of sofa surfing in Dundee. Despite his explanation, the court emphasized the importance of such notifications for public safety and offender management.

It was revealed that Fleming had previously served a significant prison sentence. In 2010, he was incarcerated for seven and a half years following a conviction related to a sexual offence. As part of his release conditions, he was required to register on the sex offenders' register, a legal obligation he was now accused of neglecting.

Following his release, Fleming moved into a council-owned scatter flat located on Rannoch Road in Kirkcaldy in March 2018. However, his financial situation deteriorated after his Universal Credit benefits were sanctioned, leaving him unable to pay rent. Consequently, he vacated the property and failed to notify authorities of his new address between April 20 and May 13 of the previous year.

During the hearing, defence solicitor George Donnelly explained Fleming’s actions, stating, "He did not fail to notify the police for any nefarious purposes. He was hiding in plain sight. It was feckless, stupid and directed by his chaotic lifestyle. He came to the attention of the police in Kirkcaldy and Dundee.”

In addition to the four-month sentence for the address notification offence, Sheriff Grant McCulloch also imposed a further four months for Fleming’s failure to comply with bail conditions and for shoplifting. The combined sentences reflect the court’s stance on the seriousness of his repeated non-compliance and associated offences.