A CONVICTED sex offender failed to notify police of his new address because “he was too busy”.

Arif Pervaiz appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to breaching his notification requirements.

The 55-year-old failed to tell police he had changed address within the required three days.

Procurator fiscal depute Victoria Keel said: “On April 17, 2020, the accused was offered and accepted tenancy at Kennishead Avenue.

“That evening, the accused was contacted by phone by police and reminded of his notification requirement. Thereafter on April 24, police found that the accused failed to attend at the police station to comply with the notification requirement when required.

“At 9.50am that day, police attended at his home and were permitted entry. The accused was cautioned and informed of his requirement to which he replied, ‘I was too busy’. He was thereafter charged.”

Pervaiz’s lawyer said his client accepted it is a serious offence.

He added: “He was not trying to hide, the police knew his new address. He should have met his notification requirement within three days however the police did know of his whereabouts.

“It’s still a serious matter and he requires to be punished for it. I’d ask you to step back from custody. He can carry out community service and a restriction of liberty order.”

Sheriff Vincent Lunny said: “It is serious, but I take on board what you’re saying about him not hiding from police.”

Pervaiz was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody.

The sheriff added: “If this had been some sort of attempt to hide your new address then the disposal at the very least would have included a restriction of liberty order, if not, jail.”