A SEX offender who went "on the run" later walked into Nelson police station in the early hours and handed himself in, a court was told.

But magistrates took pity on Paul Anthony Baker and spared him jail so he could go to his father's funeral.

Burnley magistrates heard that ex-convict Baker, 34, who was on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, had been living in the area, but had then left without telling police where he was. He had been in custody since turning up at the police station.

Baker, of no fixed address, admitted failing to comply with notifcation of change on January 9. He was given 90 days in jail but won his release because he has served 49 days on remand - and will now be able to attend his father's funeral.

Sentencing, the bench told the defendant he breached the register at an early stage, his actions had been intentional and custody was the only outcome. They added the penalty was to punish him and protect the public.

The court was told Baker was sent to prison for a year after being convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse, at York Crown Court in January 2004. He had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register until January 2014.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Baker had earlier been given bail over a separate allegation at an address in Glasgow, but then went on the run. He walked into Nelson police station at 12.35am on January 9 and was detained.

The defendant had been moving around since December 6. He had spent some time with his father who has just died of cancer. Baker realised he should go into the police station and admit he was in breach of the order.

Mr Bradshaw said it was the first time Baker had breached the order, which was now a little over three years old. The solicitor urged the court to pass a short custodial sentence, which would allow for the defendant's release.

Mr Bradshaw continued: "His father died on the February 18, his funeral is due to take place and he is desperate to be present.

"If he is released today, he will go to stay at his sister's address and then go to an address in Glasgow."

The solicitor said Baker was aware if he was accused of flouting the order again he would be remanded in custody and would face a further term of imprisonment in the event of a conviction.