A COLCHESTER security guard who has admitted three sex offences involving a child under the age of 15 has been given “one final opportunity” to engage with the authorities.

Dean Gamon, of Chinook, Highwoods, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court via video link from HMP Belmarsh on Tuesday, when he had been due to be sentenced by Judge Emma Peters.

The charges against Gamon involved one count of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child, and two counts of attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to look at an image of sexual activity.

Gamon, 58, admitted the charges, and Tuesday’s hearing had been scheduled so judge Peters could decide whether or not Gamon will serve an immediate jail sentence or will have his punishment suspended.

The court heard how letters had been sent to Gamon on three occasions requiring him to co-operate with probation.

But Juda Musa, for Gamon, argued he deserved one more chance to engage with probation, claiming Gamon never received the first two letters from the authorities, and on the third occasion, did not have the money to take the bus to reach the magistrates' court.

Judge Peters said: “The difficulty I have is that, if he was sent three separate letters and he failed to attend any [of his appointments], then what possible hope could the court have that he would comply with a suspended sentence?

“He hasn’t even attended a pre-sentence interview.”

Miss Musa argued an increase of £50 per month in rent meant Gamon, who was a builder for 25 years, couldn’t afford to pay to get to the courthouse.

She said: “The reason he didn’t attend on the last occasions is because his financial situation changed.

“His rent went up by £50 and he no longer had money for the ticket to get to court; he has expressed nothing but a willingness to engage.”

Judge Peters agreed to adjourn the case, but added Gamon could still face time in jail.

She said: “It’s important from a risk perspective that we understand more about this defendant’s sexual interest in children.

“This lack of engagement with probation will be a factor in in the court deciding whether he will receive a suspended sentence.

“He has put himself at a disadvantage.”

Gamon is expected to reappear in court next month.