A CONVICTED sex offender who breached a prevention order regarding the use of a mobile phone has been fined.

William Hamilton, 63, deleted photos from the device but waited a fortnight before telling police what he'd done.

Greenock Sheriff Court was told he confessed to the offence because of a 'growing concern' in his mind.

He had placed the 47 images — which were not of a sexual nature — into a 'recently deleted' folder on his phone last September.

But it still amounted to a breach of a five-year sexual offences prevention order which was imposed on him in 2016.

Hamilton, of Greenock, had previously pleaded guilty through lawyer Aidan Gallagher to violating the order which prohibited him from deleting call and internet browsing history, text messages or any other records without permission.

On being cautioned and charged by police, he said: "I have deleted a load of 47 images that weren't incriminating, just completely innocent images and that's why I've been charged?"

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife told a previous calling of the case: "The images were not of an indecent or concerning nature."

Solicitor Mr Gallagher said: "In his mind there was a growing concern that it [the deletions] may arise at a future date."

The prevention order imposed on Hamilton expired last month.

Solicitor Mr Gallagher said: "He has no other matters outstanding."

Sheriff Thomas Ward fined Hamilton £200.

Hamilton, through Mr Gallagher, offered to pay at a rate of £20 per fortnight.

But Sheriff Ward noted the rate of benefits he was on, adding: "He doesn't drink or take drugs, so see if he thinks he can up his contribution."

Hamilton's second offer of £40 per fortnight was accepted by the sheriff.