SEX OFFENDER DIDN’T TELL POLICE HE’D LEFT COUNTRY FIVE TIMES

48-year-old’s deceit uncovered after a different arrest

A SEX offender who moved to Spain without telling the police was caught red handed after he was arrested for another matter.

Mark Rogan was handed a three-year suspended sentence for an indecent assault in Northern Ireland back in 2005.

It meant he was obliged to tell the authorities if he left the country as part of a 10-year notification period.

But Stoke-on-trent Crown Court heard that Rogan moved to Dublin in 2007 and jetted off to Spain in 2010.

He returned from Spain to live in Newcastle in 2019.

Then, last October, the 48-yearold was arrested for an alleged assault and police discovered he had failed to keep them up to date of his movements.

Dean Easthope, prosecuting, said: “He left the country without telling anyone on five occasions. He was arrested on October 9, 2021 for assault on a female.

“The police found out he was subject to requirements and the history of Dublin came to light. He is under investigation and has not been charged with anything.

“He was interviewed and he said it’s a ‘ **** up’ on his part. He said he wasn’t aware. He has three convictions for four offences.”

Rogan, of Cumberland Street, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to five offences of failing to comply with notification requirements.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said: “He accepts he had gone wrong and it’s his fault. He thought it had expired. He did report when he left Northern Ireland to go to

Southern Ireland. He spent some time in Spain as a builder. Two years ago he settled here.

“He received a suspended sentence in Northern Ireland. It was someone who had stolen money from him and there was an argument between the two of them and he asked her to leave the house.

“She made a report to the police that’s been a matter for which he is under investigation.

“He is under no illusion as to what might happen. He has no experience of custody and would find it very difficult.”

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Rogan to eight months in custody – suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Mr Fletcher said: “This was an order that was made. It was a long length of non-compliance.”