Steve Gubbins, a 50-year-old convicted sex offender from Carter Avenue, Codsall, has avoided a prison sentence despite repeatedly failing to comply with police notification requirements. The case was heard at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where Gubbins admitted the offence.
Breach of notification rules
Gubbins failed to notify police of his change of address within the required three-day period. Police discovered he had left his registered address in December 2025 when they visited on January 5, 2026. Officers subsequently tracked Gubbins down to Codsall and arrested him on January 13.
The Universal Credit claimant later admitted failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements. The court heard that Gubbins has 12 convictions for 19 offences dating back to 1991, including five sex offences.
Prosecution and sentencing
Prosecutor Pat Kelly described Gubbins as having a 'history of disobedience with court orders' and noted he has committed 'multiple similar offences in the past'. Recorder Williams KC acknowledged that previous suspended sentences had not 'do the trick' but decided to give Gubbins another chance.
Recorder Williams KC told the defendant: 'I'm prepared to give you a chance to prove that you have already began to learn your lesson.'
Community order imposed
Gubbins was handed an 18-month community order with a 32-day rehabilitation activity requirement and £150 costs. The order is intended to allow him to 'work with probation' to address his reoffending behaviour.
The case highlights the consequences of breaching sex offender notification rules, which are designed to manage the risk posed by convicted offenders in the community. The community order requires Gubbins to engage with probation services as part of his sentence.
