An individual, Sean McGranaghan Dromahair Paedophile, aged 33 and hailing from Ireland, has received a legal punishment for engaging in numerous acts of sexual abuse against children. This verdict comes after an inquiry conducted by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
Sean Francis McGranaghan, residing at Mill Apartments in Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years at Bristol Crown Court on 22 August 24.
Sean McGranaghan initially caught the notice of SWROCU in January 2023 when he initiated online communication with someone he believed to be a minor but was an undercover specialist officer. Later that year, he also caught the notice of undercover police in the Metropolitan Police region, again engaging in online communication with someone he believed to be a youngster.
Sean McGranaghan was apprehended at Gatwick Airport in May 2023 by SWROCU detectives belonging to the Online Investigations Team. This squad collaborates with a nationwide network of covert agents to address online offences, such as child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to two charges of attempting to communicate sexually with a minor and two charges of trying to encourage a minor to engage in sexual activity. During the trial, a jury unanimously convicted Sean McGranaghan on all charges.
According to DI David Wells from the SWROCU Online Investigations Team, Sean McGranaghan is a dangerous character who consistently refuses to accept responsibility for his abhorrent offences. The judge imposed a substantial custodial sentence as a result of this, and I am glad that he will no longer present a danger to children while in prison.
Sean McGranaghan has been issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be permanently listed on the Sexual Offenders Register.
Help is available if you are concerned about your thoughts or behaviour towards children or those of someone else. You can seek help and support via the Stop it Now! confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900. Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.