A repeat sex-offender has been jailed for 12 months after seeing a teenage girl despite an order against him.

Malak Siftul-Hassan, 32, breached his Sexual Risk Order, which prevented him from being in the company of anyone under 18 without a parent or legal guardian and communicating with a named 16-year-old girl.

The 32-year-old man, of no fixed address, was seen in the company of the named teenage girl on Friday, March 8, in Crawley town centre.

He was arrested the following evening and a subsequent search of his phone found he had communicated with her earlier that month.

The man was charged and convicted of breaching his Sexual Risk Order twice.

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Siftul-Hassan was jailed for 12 months at Lewes Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Darren Taylor said: “Sussex Police is committed to protecting our communities from sexual offending and will use all the tools at our disposal to limit offenders’ ability to offend and ensure they face justice for their crimes.

“Malak Siftul-Hassan repeatedly breached a court order designed to protect a vulnerable child who he targeted multiple times.

“He has now been placed behind bars where he can cause no further harm to her or any other member of the public.

“This should send a clear message to other offenders that we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable for your crimes.”