A CONVICTED sex offender who flouted a Crown Court order by deliberately hiding his internet browsing history, could be sent behind bars.

Andrew Charles Newbery, of Rosetta Drive, East Cowes, admitted breaking the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on March 1 by suspiciously using the internet to browse, but had used an 'incognito' mode on his mobile phone to wipe or conceal his browsing history.

In doing so, Newbery, 36, also breached a suspended sentence order of 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, which was imposed by an Isle of Wight Crown Court judge on June 28, 2019.

He also broke the terms of a 12-month conditional discharge, for common assault, which was imposed by Island magistrates on February 7 last year.

Roderick Blain, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Tuesday (4), said the police had "grave suspicions" of Newbery's internet browsing activity.

"On the day in question, his internet browsing history was predictably sparse. Police then heard from his partner that he had been using a particular application, and when the police checked, there was no evidence he had been using it," said Mr Blain.

"By his own admission, he had been using some sort of mode on his phone, which hides his browsing history.

"This is exactly why the SHPO is in place — to stop him doing just this. The police cannot know what he is doing if he removes his browsing history."

Judge Susan Evans ordered a Newton hearing be held — to establish, following analysis of Newbery's phone, to what extent he had been browsing and on what apps.

Newbery was bailed to reappear at the same venue for sentencing on June 25.