A SEX offender who filmed underage girls has been fined after he was found with a tablet and a mobile phone fitted with cameras.

Keith Holloway was placed on a sexual offences prevention order or SOPO nearly 10 years ago for outraging public decency but had never before breached the terms which prohibited him from having devices with cameras.

The 64-year-old, of Back Lane South, Barbourne, Worcester, had already admitted the breaches at magistrates’ court when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced.

The first breach was on October 14 last year and the second on June 9 this year.

Balvinder Bhatti, prosecuting, said the first breach occurred when Holloway’s offender manager was visiting his home with a housing officer to discuss his mobility problems and any assistance which might be provided to him.

Miss Bhatti said: “Whilst about to have a conversation the officer went to sit down and moved a cushion from the sofa and found a tablet underneath the cushion. Mr Holloway stated ‘you weren’t supposed to see that. Am I going back to prison for breaching my SOPO?’”

He told officers there were no indecent images on it and he was planning to use it to share music with his brother.

In the second breach, his offender manager spotted a black mobile phone lying on the floor in the hallway of Holloway’s home. He initially said it belonged to someone else but soon admitted it was his.

Again, no indecent material was found on the phone.

Miss Bhatti said: “He stated that he forgot things and believed he had dementia but it was undiagnosed and was aware he would breach his order by having the phone alongside the tablet.”

She said of the original offence: “He was recording young girls.”

Holloway also has a conviction for indecent assault from 2003.

Amanda O’Mara, defending, said Holloway has arthritis and urological problems relating to his use of alcohol but is receiving support from his GP and also feels he has chronic depression.

Miss O’Mara said the order had been set to expire and if he had held on for a few more months Holloway could have bought the devices with no issue whatsoever.

Recorder Martin Jackson fined him £200 for the first breach and £300 for the second. The sexual offences prevention order was extended for a further 10 years until October 15, 2027.

The order restricts him from drinking in public, his use of the internet and his contact with children.

Recorder Jackson warned him: “Any evidence of further breaches and you will very likely receive a custodial sentence.”