DALE WALSH'S REIGN OF TERROR IN BELFAST AND PORTADOWN: SEX OFFENDER'S BRUSH WITH THE LAW CONTINUES

In July 2023, the ongoing legal saga surrounding Dale Walsh, a convicted sex offender with a troubling history in Belfast and Portadown, took another serious turn as he faced new charges related to breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Walsh, who is currently awaiting sentencing for harassment, was accused of violating his SOPO for the 14th time. The alleged incident involved him staying overnight at an address in Portavogie on June 17 and 18 without obtaining prior approval from his designated risk manager. These allegations surfaced during a court hearing at Newtownards Magistrates Court on a Wednesday, although none of the facts were formally opened during the proceedings.

Despite being granted bail, Walsh remains in custody until he can meet specific conditions set by the court. The 28-year-old, who resides at a hostel in Belfast, has a long history of criminal activity related to sexual offences. He previously admitted to harassing a woman between October and November 2021 and has a record of breaching his SOPO, notably failing to disclose his past to a new partner.

Walsh's criminal record is extensive and disturbing. In May 2018, he was jailed after being convicted of abducting a 14-year-old girl and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Police found the schoolgirl, dressed only in her bra and pants, after forcibly entering Walsh’s bedroom and smashing down the door. His past convictions also include making contact with a 13-year-old girl in England and breaching the sex offenders register by not disclosing his use of a different name and possessing a mobile phone.

Classified as a level three offender, Walsh is considered high risk for reoffending and causing serious harm. His attempts to evade detection have included smashing his mobile phones—devices he was permitted to keep—when police attempted to examine them. On one occasion, he tried to destroy his phone during a breach arrest, but officers uncovered his relationship with a woman through the device, leading to his remand in custody.

Despite his incarceration, Walsh continued to commit offences from prison, including bombarding his girlfriend with letters. His history of repeated SOPO breaches is extensive, with as many as 14 documented violations. The case was adjourned until next month, with Walsh scheduled for sentencing in September for the harassment charges.

In a related incident in June 2022, Walsh attempted to conceal his social media activity by smashing the wrong phone, which allowed police to trace a fake Facebook profile he had created. Prosecutor Nicola Auret revealed that Walsh had set up a false account under the name Ross Hill and had begun a sexual relationship with a woman without disclosing his sex offence history. When police visited his Portadown hostel, they observed him with multiple phones, despite his SOPO restricting him to just one registered device. Walsh’s attempt to destroy his phone ironically led to the discovery of his violations.

Walsh’s criminal history also includes a 2017 incident where he allegedly breached a ban on approaching children by making phone contact with a 13-year-old girl in England. Police claimed he had acquired four additional mobile phones within a week after his original device was seized. During a court appearance in Belfast, Walsh appeared via videolink from prison, pleading guilty to multiple breaches of his SOPO and the sex offenders register. His past convictions include the abduction and sexual assault of a teenage girl, which resulted in his initial imprisonment.

Following his release from prison, Walsh continued his pattern of harassment, notably sending 58 text messages and a photograph to a 23-year-old mother of two in June 2019, which earned him another year behind bars. His defense counsel, Richard McConkey, acknowledged Walsh’s numerous breaches but urged the court to proceed without further reports, emphasizing Walsh’s desire for resolution. The judge, Patrick Lynch QC, adjourned the case for additional reports, citing the importance of understanding Walsh’s background and risk assessment.

Earlier, in February 2017, Walsh faced allegations of breaching a court order by making phone contact with a 13-year-old girl in England. Police claimed he had obtained multiple mobile phones after his original was seized, further complicating his case. He was remanded in custody due to the lack of available accommodation and ongoing concerns about his contact with minors, highlighting the persistent danger Walsh poses in the community.