Sex offender’s “lies” exposed during police polygraph test, court told
Judge Nicholas Barker imposed an 18-month community order.
A registered sex offender has been sentenced a judge who concluded he “told deliberate lies” to police as he failed to disclose four electronic devices which should have been officially logged with them.
Thomas McFarlane’s offending came to light as he underwent a lie detector test in May this year.
In April, 2021, McFarlane, aged 38, had been sentenced by a Carlisle Crown Court judge for three offences. These included trying to cause what he thought was a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity; and to watch a sexual act.
As part of the punishment, he was told to comply with the strict conditions of both a decade-long sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and sex offender notification requirements for five years. This imposed upon him a legal obligation to keep police informed about up to date personal information and possession of electronic devices.
Under the SHPO terms, McFarlane must also present for polygraph testing when requested by police.
In April this year, McFarlane met with police to complete his annual sex offender registration.
His notification requirements were reviewed and the terms of his SHPO were discussed with him. On 28th May, 2026, the defendant attended Cockermouth police station to undertake a polygraph examination.
However, the polygraph examiner reported to a PC that McFarlane had disclosed he was in possession of an old electronic tablet at his home address.
Police recovered the tablet. They also found three illegally-held mobile phones and an online username which McFarlane had not formally disclosed as he should have done.
McFarlane, of Alexander Close, Workington, admitted four SHPO breaches and flouting the notification requirements, and was sentenced at the crown court today (wed).
A defence barrister told the court of McFarlane’s low IQ. A mental disorder and learning disability was linked to the defendant’s offending which, said Mr Burke, was not sophisticated.
Judge Nicholas Barker imposed an 18-month community order. McFarlane must complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation work with the probation service.
McFarlane remains subject to the SHPO. “That means you must be cautious about your actions particularly when it concerns devices, phones, tablets and the internet,” said Judge Barker. “If you are not careful and cautious, you will put yourself at risk of going to prison.”