A former scoutmaster and convicted paedophile returned to court this week after breaching a court order. 

Ian Beeby, 71, has previously been convicted for sexually abusing cub scouts. 

Beeby, of High Street, Great Lever, was last in court in 2021, also for breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). 

On Monday, October 28, he appeared at Bolton Crown Court for breaching the order again. 

Prosecuting, Tara Riley said: "On a number of occasions, in November, December, February and March, devices were provided to officers. 

"On August 16, officers visited his home address and found a voice recording device and a memory card. He said he had sold the items on eBay. 

"By selling them, he had breached the sexual harm prevention order. He has a number of previous convictions, including sexual offences with the first offence being in 1988, there was one in 1993. 

"In 2016 he was convicted of making indecent images and served a custodial sentence. There was also a charge of indecent assault on a male in 2016." 

She added: "We don't know what was on the device as officers didn't have the chance to inspect them. 

"He says that it was nothing untoward, but that would just be taking his word. Without knowing, the risk or harm is quite difficult to place." 

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Defending, Osman Munir described this issue as a "misunderstanding", saying: "The defendant is 71, he does not wish to offend any further. 

"He bought the voice recording device at a Cash Generator store for £70. He didn't use the device and wasn't sure if he had to declare it. 

"There was an SD card in it. He didn't use it and didn't use the voice recording device. It was a lack of thought, he didn't think before buying or selling it." 

Mr Munir added how Beeby had "struggled to find accommodation" upon leaving prison previously, but has now managed to find a flat. 

He also stressed that he had been "out of trouble since 2021". 

Judge Neil Usher said: "The previous breach was when he discarded an SD card.

"Having done that, how could he say he didn't know he should have declared it?" 

Mr Munir said: "He was confused and didn't understand fully the gravity of what he was doing, he wasn't thinking properly at the time." 

Beeby pleaded guilty to the breach of the sexual harm prevention order at the earliest opportunity. 

Sentencing, Judge Usher said: "Like the probation service and the Crown, I find categorising this offence far from straightforward. 

"You must have been aware when you disposed of the SD card, given your previous conviction, the terms of your SHPO. 

"I take the view that this offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified." 

He added: "I take the view that suspending will allow you to remain in the accommodation you have, the stabilising influence may reduce your risk of reoffending." 

He sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, as well as 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.