A convicted sex offender has been spared jail despite breaching important police rules once again. Universal Credit claimant Steve Gubbins ignored strict rules forcing him to keep in touch with police after becoming a registered sex offender.
The 50-year-old was required to notify police if he moved address within three days - or he could find himself back in court. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how a police officer went to his home on January 5, 2026. The officer was told the defendant 'had left' and had not been seen since December 3, 2025.
Arrest in Codsall
Enquiries led police to Codsall, with officers arresting Gubbins at a property on January 13, prosecutor Pat Kelly said. Gubbins later admitted failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements.
The court heard how Gubbins has 12 convictions for 19 offences, dating back to 1991. Mr Kelly said five of his convictions were for sex offences, while he also has previous convictions for failing to comply with notification requirements.
History of disobedience
Gubbins has a 'history of disobedience with court orders' and has committed 'multiple similar offences in the past', the prosecutor added. Glenn Cook, defending, said Gubbins was released on bail ahead of his sentence and has kept in touch with police since then, as required.
The defendant receives Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions, the court heard.
Judge's warning
Sentencing, Recorder Williams KC noted that Gubbins has previously received suspended sentences for failing to comply with requirements of his court order and that they have not appeared to 'do the trick'. He said: "You have got a bad history of failing to comply with the notification requirements and probation say it may be, to an extent, that you find them an undue interference. But, they are there for a good reason."
Recorder Williams told Gubbins he 'has to comply with them' or he will 'keep getting in trouble with the courts'. But he said: "I'm prepared to give you a chance to prove that you have already began to learn your lesson."
Gubbins was told he would not be jailed so he could 'work with probation' to address his 'underlying attitude' and his 'reoffending'. The convict, of Carter Avenue, Codsall, was handed an 18-month community order, with a 32-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a £150 costs on Thursday, August 20.
