A man from Nutts Corner has been sentenced at Ballymena Magistrates' Court for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Richard Smyth, 38, of Ballyutoag Road, appeared via video link from prison on Thursday. He admitted failing to reside at an address approved by the court and failing to notify police of a change of address on July 22.

The SOPO was imposed in 2025 following a conviction for attempting to make a sexual communication with a child. Smyth was also placed on the sex offenders' register and given a jail term at that time.

A defence barrister said Smyth had been living between different addresses and struggling to stabilise himself. The court heard his criminal record was linked to cocaine use.

Smyth is also on remand for driving matters and is due to be sentenced at the Crown Court next week.