A SEX offender who used software to make sure his internet history wasn't saved - which he was banned from doing so by a court order - has avoided jail. 

Graham Cooper, of Hayle Court, Andover, was charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with notification requirements.

He appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, March 15 to be sentenced for the offences.

The court heard that in April 2015 the 60-year-old was made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and in October 2022 the SHPO was extended until a further notice.

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Prosecutor Holly Fagan said that on Friday, November 4, 2022, Cooper was found to have in his possession a TT TV Box and a Nokia mobile phone, which he was prohibited from having. The order prevents him from possessing more than one computer or tablet and a mobile phone.

Ms Fagan also told the court court that between Saturday, November 20, 2021 and Sunday, April 17, 2022, Cooper used a VPN, which hid his IP address and encrypted his internet usage, which was prohibited under the order. 

Cooper also failed to comply with notification requirements on Friday, August 11, last year, when he did not tell police within three days of two new credits cards and a new card for an existing account that he had received. 

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On Friday, November 4, 2022, he failed to tell police of an alias name that he was using. 

In mitigation Kate Davies told the court that Cooper "simply said it's my stupidity and I am so sorry". 

Judge Robert Weekes KC said that the offences were committed while Cooper was subject to multiple suspended sentences, adding: "You have committed some 25 offences in the last 10 years."

Judge Weekes handed Cooper a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also complete 16 extra rehabilitation activity days.

The devices will be destroyed.