A sex offender admitted buying a computer to search the net for sick child sex abuse images just days after being released from prison.

Lee Ansell, 37, was released from jail on July 15, Oxford Magistrates’ Court was told on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Police found clown outfit when they raided would-be paedophile's home

Just one day later, on July 16, he went to Reading to buy a laptop and internet dongle. He failed to notify the police about the new purchases – in breach of a court-imposed sexual harm prevention order.

Staff at the bail hostel where he was staying flagged their concerns to the authorities after he was reportedly using the laptop in his bedroom at the temporary accommodation.

When he was later interviewed by the police he admitted using an internet website he had previously accessed in order to look at indecent images of children and download what was described in court as ‘paedophilic stories’.

Ansell, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order. Appearing in a stuffy courtroom on Tuesday morning, he hugged his chest as if cold – speaking only to confirm his personal details and plea.

District Judge Kamlesh Rana said: “I take the view my powers of punishment are not sufficient to deal with this matter.”

She sent the case to Oxford Crown Court for sentence on August 16.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward