A SEX offender accused of using private internet browsers has appeared in court.

David Leather-Barrow is alleged to have breached a sexual harm prevention order seven times.

The 58-year-old is alleged to have used the TOR browser, which prevents a device from retaining internet history.

He is also alleged to have used Firefox private browsing, paused collection of his Google history and used a virtual private network to encrypt data.

He is also alleged to have used the disappearing message function on messaging app Whatsapp and used the encrypted messenger Telegram.

The defendant, of Broad Close in Barrow, is also said to have failed to disclose cloud storage to his police offender manager upon request.

The offences are alleged to have been committed on January 4.

He gave no indication of plea to the charges when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court and is due to appear at Preston Crown Court for a hearing on February 16.