Gateshead sex offender went to fight in Ukraine war instead of attending probation appointments

Former soldier Michael Lee was on a community order for having child abuse images and extreme pornography which meant he had to abide by restrictions on his freedom and attend regular meetings.

But Newcastle Crown Court heard in May last year he travelled to Ukraine to "fight in the war", after completing just four out of 25 rehabilitation days.

Prosecutor Lea Levine told the court Lee informed the authorities he was planning to volunteer in Ukraine and added: "The probation practitioner made it clear he would still be issued with appointments and by not attending he would be placing himself in breach.

"The defendant kept in touch with the probation practitioner via email while in Ukraine. He sent an email saying he wouldn't be attending his appointments as he was still in Ukraine. The practitioner responded saying he was expected to attend on June 1."

The court heard Lee failed to attend the appointment on June 1 and another on June 11. A "warning" letter was issued to him on June 12, together with another appointment for June 21. Miss Levine added: "The defendant failed to attend and a breach letter was issued on June 21."

Lee, 29, of Westminster Street, Gateshead, admitted breaching the community order by going abroad and missing appointments. He also pleaded guilty to breach of a sexual harm prevention order by failing to notify his risk management officer that he had bought a new phone in Ukraine.

And he admitted two charges of failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements by failing to inform the authorities within three days that he had returned from foreign travel and having three undeclared bank cards.

Despite missing his rehabilitation days, he did complete 120 hours unpaid work before he fled to Ukraine. Mr Recorder Mark McKone KC told him: "I am satisfied you made a deliberate decision to go to Ukraine, knowing you would miss probation appointments."

The recorder added: "On May 1 2024 you left the UK to travel to Ukraine and fight in the war. You had been a solider in the UK for eight years but lost that employment as a result of the images convictions."

The court heard Lee informed the probation officer that he was back in the UK after four days, one day over the three-day requirement. Recorder McKone said: "It seems to some extent you had not taken court orders seriously."

Lee was sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years with rehabilitation requirements and a three month curfew. The recorder told him: "This really is your last opportunity. If you come back before the court again in breach of any order then immediate imprisonment is inevitable."

Ian Hudson, defending, said Lee has post traumatic stress disorder and is vulnerable. Mr Hudson told the court: "He is a high risk of suicide. He went to Ukraine on a suicide mission. He would be extremely vulnerable if he goes on the prison wagon to Durham."