A SEX offender has been jailed after he was caught with hidden mobile phones and a secret Instagram account.

David Goodridge admitted breaching his sexual harm prevention order and failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders register when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Goodridge had been made subject to the order after being convicted of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

He is required to notify police of internet-capable devices and any social media usernames in his possession within three days of acquiring them.

Police paid a spot-check visit to Goodridge's home in Belmont, Hereford, on August 1, the court heard.

A nervous Goodridge showed officers his basic, non-internet mobile phone, and told them he did not have any other phones.

But a search of a set of drawers revealed two mobile phones, one of which had been used to access an Instagram account that Goodridge had failed to tell police about.

The court heard Goodridge had breached a previous sexual harm prevention order but that this was the first breach of his current order.

"This is a deliberate breach," Miss Blacklock said.

"There did appear to be sexual searches, but there was no evidence of any indecent images being found or searched for."

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Edmund Middleton, for Goodridge, said the 37-year-old had entered guilty pleas at the first opportunity.

"He was recalled to prison immediately after his arrest as a result of this offence," Mr Middleton said.

"There was no interview as it was plain to see what had gone on here, and these charges could have been brought a good deal sooner.

"He had a device he was prevented from having, but there is no evidence that he had caused any harm or distress."

Mr Middleton said the offences had taken place during a very difficult time for Goodridge.

"He has found it very difficult to get a job and has very little family support," he said.

"He has served a significant sentence for what is unpleasant offending, and is a very lonely man living by himself."

Goodridge, who is currently of HMP Hewell, was jailed for a total of 12 months and must pay a £156 victim surcharge.