A convicted sex offender previously jailed for raping a child has appeared in court for breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and is to be re-called to prison.
Shane Adrian Patrick Neill (37) from Killyliss Road, Dungannon had formed a relationship with a mother of two children, who did not know of his previous conviction.
He is charged with engaging with multiple females on social media and commenced an intimate relationship without prior disclosure.
Both matters came to light on 28 January.
A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.
Neill has been on licence since March 2023.
She said that due to this recent breach the Probation Board decided to have his licence revoked, as they believe he can no longer be managed in the community.
He denied any knowledge of the woman’s two children during interview however police can evidence there were conversations about them on Telegram.
Strongly opposing bail she said, “The defendant is subject to stringent SOPO conditions with clear directions not to enter into any relationships unless his history of offending is disclosed and verified by the Designated Risk Manager.
“He was not to engage with any females on social media. Police have evidence of both breaches. This indicates a blatant disregard for the SOPO and his attitude towards bail conditions if released.”
A defence solicitor said there was nothing nefarious in the use of Telegram.
In terms of disclosure the detective informed the court, “When spoken to prior to arrest the standard questions put to sex offenders as part of monitoring was asked including whether he was engaging in relationships and he stated he was not.
“He also claimed he wasn’t engaging with anyone online. However after that meeting ended he immediately contacted Probation Services and advised he had started a relationship which he felt needed to be disclosed. So by his own words this was a relationship.”
The defence contended given the interaction with police Neill had complied with his requirements and the court could be reassured by this.
It was also pointed out there will be significant delay while PSNI Cybercrime analyse the seized phone, which, “Realistically could be up to a year.”
He added, “Much of this centres on the SOPO wording and a lack of clarity given the questions put to my client.
“This is ultimately about managing risk on bail. He’s been out of prison for 18 months, has his own address and a supportive family network who are willing to lodge a £1,000 cash surety. He will surrender all mobile phones and devices capable of internet connection.”
However Judge Rafferty refused saying: “This is a very serious matter. I’m not satisfied there are any conditions, especially given the SOPO which itself is a restriction on activity. I’m not satisfied the defendant could be trusted on bail.”
Neill will appear again by video-link on 28 February.