A game of knock-around football in the street with two small boys has landed a convicted sex offender back behind bars.

David Powell fell foul of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) conditions by playing with the boys and not telling their parents about the order.

The parents were sitting on the pavement watching the half-hour game along with his girlfriend - and it was only three days later when the dad spotted messages on Powell’s mobile phone that suspicions were aroused.

He checked the UK database and found that 32-year-old Powell, of New Brighton, was a sex offender and he alerted the police.

Powell pleaded guilty on Monday to breaching the SOPO which was imposed in 2007 for indecent exposure in Wirral.

He was on licence from prison at the time of the latest offence on August 6 for an earlier breach of the order, which is in force until 2027, said Simon Duncan, prosecuting.

When he was quizzed by police Powell disputed the claims saying: “I didn’t do it” and claimed it was a malicious allegation.

Mr Duncan told Liverpool Crown Court that his previous breaches included one in February when social workers received a tip-off about concerns over two young girls in Liscard.

It was found Powell had been living with their mother for about a year.

He was jailed for that offence and was on licence when he committed the latest breach.

Jailing him for 12 months, Judge David Aubrey, QC, said it was the tenth time he had appeared in court for breaching the order or failing to meet the notification requirements.

He pointed out there was no sinister reason why he was playing football with the boys, aged two and four, but he had to learn he must abide by the terms of the SOPO.

“The provisions are there to protect children and you must learn that you must abide by the provisions placed within the sexual offence order.

"The offence is so serious only an immediate custodial sentence is justified,” said Judge Aubrey.

Ken Heckle, defending, said although Powell had not made admissions when arrested he had pleaded guilty.

“He has to understand he cannot have a normal life regarding his every day.”

He had not instigated the game of football and had just joined in and there had been nothing suspicious about his behaviour.

His girlfriend had been aware of his status but since the incident they had split up and he has moved to his current address.