Wanted UK sex offender sleeping rough in car being monitored by Newbridge Gardaí

A UK sex offender wanted by Manchester police, who is sleeping rough his car, is being monitored by Newbridge Gardai, it has emerged.

Gardai are powerless to arrest him until they receive an official European Arrest Warrant from UK police.

The man appeared before Naas District Court on Thursday last charged with failing to register as a sex offender.

He was then ordered to sign on twice daily at Newbridge Garda Station.

Officers will be closely monitoring him until the European Arrest Warrant arrives from the UK - and then the path will be cleared for him to be arrested and extradited.

Naas District Court heard that the accused is facing a charge of breaching the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 for failing to notify Gardai he had entered the jurisdiction.

Garda evidence outlined how the accused was found guilty of being in possession of 'extreme images of children in Wales and Scotland.'

The court heard how he travelled from the UK to Co Kildare and he did not notify Gardaí.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "How do people with such serious convictions end up here?"

He added: "The State has to answer questions."

Garda evidence heard how when the Gardaí turned up at the property he was renting, his landlord directed him to leave.

The Garda said: "The landlord told him to leave, two weeks ago, he has not had time to get accommodation."

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered Gardaí to 'keep an eye on him.'

The court heard that he is signing on to Newbridge Garda Station as part of his bail conditions.

Judge Zaidan ordered that he appear again before Naas District Court within eight weeks for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Manchester Police issued an alert last year that they were searching for him after breaching a court order last November.

He was released from prison in October 2014 after being jailed in 2013 for possessing indecent images of children.