Sex offender gets probation for weekend trip

A MAN on the sex offenders register was given a 12-month probation bond, for failing to inform the authorities of taking a four-day weekend away in England.

The man appeared at a sitting of Naas District Court behind closed doors, charged with a single breach of the register rules after failing to notify gardaí.

However, his solicitor Tim Kennelly claimed it was an inadvertent mistake because “there has been a change in the legislation since his release”.

“If he’s out of the jurisdiction, he should have given notification, but he didn’t,” said Mr Kennelly.

Detective Sergeant Michael Murphy gave details of why the Co Kildare man was on the register, after he was convicted in 2015 “on four counts of defilement of a child under 15”.

“Was it a boy or a girl?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“A girl,” said DS Murphy in evidence.

“He was sentenced to eight years, seven years, seven years and six years concurrent.

“He pleaded guilty in the circuit court, was convicted in 2015 and put on the register.

“The Act changed in 2023, where mandatory notification went from seven days to three. He went to England for four days and never notified.” “Never any other difficulties?” asked the judge.

“No, judge,” said DS Murphy.

“He went to the UK and came back?” asked Judge Zaidan.

“Yes, judge, his monitor notified us,” confirmed DS Murphy.

“He didn’t try to hide?” asked the judge.

“No,” said the garda.

“So not deliberate?” asked the judge.

“Definitely not,” said DG Murphy.

Judge Zaidan ruled as outlined, but any breach of the law in the next year will see the man liable for his outstanding sentence.