A convicted sex offender, Shane Neill Eglish Paedophile, previously incarcerated for child rape, has been in court for violating a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and is to be reincarcerated.
Shane Adrian Patrick Neill, residing on Killyliss Road in Eglish, established a relationship with a mother of two children, who was unaware of his prior conviction.
The 37-year-old is accused of interacting with several females on social media and initiating an intimate relationship without prior disclosure.
Both issues were revealed on January 28.
A detective constable informed Dungannon Magistrates’ Court that the charges may be related.
She stated that Shane Adrian Patrick Neill had been contacting women on the Telegram App since December 31, and that “there are no boundaries, as he was interacting with multiple women for sexual gratification.”
She stated: “Shane Adrian Patrick Neill has been on licence since March 2023 for a serious sexual offence; however, due to this recent transgression, the Probation Board is revoking his licence, as they believe he can no longer be managed within the community.” He refuted any awareness of the woman’s two children during the questioning; yet, the police possess evidence of discussions regarding them on Telegram.
Vehemently denying bail, she stated: “The defendant is bound by rigorous SOPO conditions that explicitly prohibit entering into any relationships unless his history of offences is disclosed and validated by the Designated Risk Manager.”
He was prohibited from interacting with any girls on social media. The police had evidence of both violations. This demonstrates a flagrant contempt for the SOPO and his demeanour regarding bail requirements upon release.
A defence attorney asserted that there was nothing illicit in the use of Telegram, which is employed by several individuals, including members of the media.
District Judge Francis Rafferty enquired, “Are you implying that the defendant is affiliated with the press?”
The defence affirmed that this was inaccurate.
The detective disclosed to the court that, prior to the arrest, the routine enquiries directed at sex offenders for monitoring purposes were posed, including if he was involved in any relationships, to which he responded negatively. He also asserted that he was not interacting with anyone online. Subsequent to the conclusion of that meeting, he promptly reached out to Probation Services to inform the commencement of a relationship he deemed necessary to report. According to his own statements, this constituted a relationship.
The defence argued that, due to his involvement with the police, Shane Adrian Patrick Neill had fulfilled his obligations, so providing reassurance to the court.
It was noted that there will be a considerable delay while the PSNI Cybercrime unit analyses the confiscated phone, which might possibly take up to a year.
Judge Rafferty stated, “It is reasonable to assert that secret messaging applications require more time to develop than conventional applications.”
The defence stated: “I do not acknowledge the characterisation of a clandestine messaging application.” Despite its robust encryption, it has millions of global users. It is not Encrochat that can be described as clandestine and entirely distinct.
He stated, “A significant portion of this revolves around the SOPO terminology and the ambiguity surrounding the enquiries directed at my client.” This fundamentally pertains to the management of risk associated with bail. He has been released from prison for 18 months, possesses his own residence, and has a strong familial network prepared to provide a £1,000 cash surety. He will relinquish all mobile phones and devices with internet connectivity.
Judge Rafferty declined, asserting: “This is a very serious matter.” I am dissatisfied with the existence of any conditions, particularly considering the SOPO, which constitutes a limitation on activities. I am not convinced that the defendant can be trusted while on bail.
Shane Adrian Patrick Neill will participate again via video link on February 28.
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