A convicted rapist was arrested by police as he was about to journey to East Europe on a one way ticket to see his victim.
But 51-year-old Thomas Eccles told officers beforehand of his plans and that he had needed a new passport, Inverness Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
Eccles, of Beanfield Avenue, Corby, was charged with failing to meet Sex Offender regulations and admitted that between March 30 and June 27, 2016 at Tain Police station and elsewhere, he failed to notify police he had been issued with a new passport on March 30.
Former Inverness restauranteur Eccles had been convicted in March, 2012 of rape and was later jailed for four years and three months.
His solicitor, Mike Chapman told Sheriff Margaret Neilson: “After being released from prison he observed the regulations and he pointed out to his reporting police officer that his passport had expired and he wanted a new one.
“He went ahead and got one but didn’t notify the authorities.”
Mr Chapman said his client wanted to travel to see the woman to resolve a legal matter.
“His sister lent him 3,600 euros and that accounts for the money that was in his possession. It was intended to pay for a solicitor. It was his intention to return to this country in September.”
Sentence was deferred until September 30 for a background report and Eccles had his bail continued.