An Isle of Wight rapist told magistrates he missed his honeymoon in Spain to attend court after he breached the requirements of the Sex Offenders' Register. 

Phillip Robbins, 56, of Percy Road, Lake, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 13.

He had previously pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements of the register.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said Robbins was convicted in 2005 of raping a woman, and now, as part of the register, he must inform police of his details every year on June 6, even if there are no changes.

The court heard that Robbins’ offender manager contacted him several days after the deadline had passed, and Robbins went to the police the day after.

Ms Stone said Robbins had no convictions since the offence 19 years ago.

Oscar Vincent, defending, was told by magistrates that they intended to follow the sentence suggestion laid out in his client’s pre-sentence report.

Upon hearing this, Mr Vincent laid out his client’s financial position, informing magistrates that Robbins is a full-time engineer.

After deliberation, magistrates said: “We accept that this has happened as a result of forgetfulness rather than intentional.”

Robbins was handed a £323 fine and must pay a £129 surcharge.

Magistrates told Robbins it was a costly mistake, to which he replied: “More expensive than that. I was supposed to be on my honeymoon this week.”