A convicted sex offender swindled the Red Cross out of money for a hotel and train fare after claiming he wanted to attend his uncle’s funeral, a court heard.

Stephen Owens, aged 35, of Kidstone Close, St Helens, stayed at the Manchester hotel with his girlfriend and her daughter instead of attending the funeral. Prosecutor Nicola Williams said the young mum had later found out about his 2016 conviction.

Owens, formerly of Rhyl, admitted failing to comply with notification requirements by staying at a property with children on several occasions.

He also pleaded guilty to a £100 fraud between November 8 and 11.

Judge Timothy Petts at Caernarfon crown court imposed a six months suspended jail term with rehabilitation and 100 hours unpaid work. Owens will be trail monitored for three months and has to pay £100 compensation and £200 prosecution costs.

Judge Petts told him: "Taking advantage of a charity that previously assisted you is a particularly unpleasant thing for you to have done.”

He added: "The issue is whether appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.”

Defence barrister Elen Owen said last year had been “extremely difficult” for Owens due to family tragedies and being homeless after a flat fire. He was “deeply sorry” for conning the Red Cross.

Counsel said Owens had been placed in emergency B and B accommodation where conditions were not ideal and he wanted a few days away.

He now worked full time as a machinist and had another flat.