A 43-year-old man, Michael Boyd, the Enniskillen Paedophile, has been brought before a specialised court on charges of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Despite never meeting him, the girl could locate his photograph on social media and provide his identification to the police.
Michael Boyd from Hillview Walk, Enniskillen, is a recently released convicted sex offender who had previously served time in prison for a similar event.
When questioned about his comprehension of the subsequent accusation, Boyd responded, “Yes, it is a claim.”
A PSNI Public Protection Unit detective constable informed the Dungannon Magistrates Court that the charge could be linked.
The complainant reported to the police that while heading home at approximately 8 pm on August 22, she observed an unfamiliar, intoxicated person who was later recognised as Boyd.
The individual asserted familiarity with her and remarked on observing her in her school attire, explicitly mentioning the educational institution. Subsequently, he proceeded to embrace her abruptly and without prior notice.
She disclosed her age to him, and although he released his grip, he still accompanied her on their walk.
Throughout this period, Michael Boyd purportedly extended an invitation to accompany him to a wedding, proposed a vacation together, and repeatedly sought her phone number.
Michael Boyd embraced her once more and planted five unwelcome kisses on her cheek. Despite her apprehension, she refrained from pushing him away as he disclosed that he had recently been released from prison.
He embraced her firmly, and she saw his arms descending along her lumbar region.
Michael Boyd endeavoured to plant a kiss on her lips, but instead, he kissed her neck.
She disengaged and successfully reached her residence, where she notified the authorities.
During the incident, Michael Boyd introduced himself, and the complainant thoroughly searched local Facebook profiles to find him.
The CCTV footage from the location is presently under examination, and specific clips depict Boyd accompanying the complainant and embracing her.
The detective objected to granting bail, citing significant worries regarding the possibility of the individual committing more offences. The defendant is aware of the educational institution attended by this adolescent female.
“We have significant concerns regarding the well-being of other children in the vicinity.” He became a registered sex offender in April of this year and has already demonstrated a pattern of similar offences. He has a total of 24 prior convictions, one of which is for sexual assault. Additionally, he has been identified as a person of concern multiple times concerning child sexual exploitation.
A defence solicitor acknowledged the issues but believed the individual may be released to a suitable residence far from Enniskillen.
He stated that, aside from the one sexual conviction, the defendant’s prior record would consist of minor disruptive activity. The root cause of all his concerns is alcohol, and the court will primarily focus on whether he can effectively control this problem. Therefore, a potential condition for his release on bail might be his prompt initiation of measures to tackle his alcohol-related issues.
During the police interview, it was revealed that Michael Boyd attempted to participate in the conversation but had a limited and disorganised recollection of the incident. This was also the case concerning the previous matter. This case exhibits a parallel in that there is no indication of physical danger or intimidation. While not intending to downplay the accusations, it is very lamentable and bothersome, resembling the consequences of being under the influence of alcohol.
However, District Judge Alana McSorley denied bail, stating that the individual in question is a registered sex offender and she does not believe that the potential risks he presents can be effectively controlled. I am apprehensive about the susceptibility of the individual making the complaint.
Michael Boyd will make another appearance via video link at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on September 16.
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