DANNY WARD RETURNS TO DUBLIN FROM UK AFTER VIGILANTE ATTACKS AND ESCAPE
In November 2015, the notorious child sex offender Danny Ward made a dramatic return to Dublin, Ireland, after fleeing to England earlier that summer amid a series of violent vigilante attacks and threats to his safety.Ward, aged 35 at the time, had become the target of multiple assaults by angry members of the community who viewed him with suspicion and hostility due to his criminal past.
His departure from Ireland was officially communicated to the Gardaí, who then coordinated with UK authorities to ensure his exit from the country.
Ward was last seen by a member of the public boarding the Dublin to Holyhead ferry, with photographs capturing him aboard the vessel.
Once back in Ireland, his movements have been closely monitored by Gardaí and the Probation Service at a clandestine location, under strict supervision as part of the Offender Risk Assessment and Management Scheme (SORAM).
Prior to his departure, Ward had endured multiple violent confrontations.
In July, he was chased and reportedly beaten by a group in Dún Laoghaire, where he was allegedly sleeping rough at the time.
This incident was followed by an attack at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station, where a man captured on video punching and kicking him was subsequently arrested by appointment.
Earlier, Ward had been driven out of his accommodations in North Dublin and Ringsend by local residents incensed by his presence.
On one occasion, while drinking in a local pub, Ward was recognized by a patron who then alerted others.
The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted that Ward was “knocking back pints at the time” and was observed walking around with a green baseball cap, grey hoodie, tracksuit bottoms, and a black coat.
The patron described how he called friends, and when Ward left the pub, he was confronted and received “a few thumps.” Following this, Ward attempted to go unnoticed by traveling to Wicklow Town, but he was quickly spotted by Gardaí, who intervened and transported him away from the area to prevent a vigilante attack.
Since his return to Ireland, Ward has been under constant surveillance, with authorities taking precautions to prevent further violence or retribution.
In July 2015, Ward was seen leaving Ireland via a UK-bound ferry, attempting to escape the vigilant groups hunting him.
Witnesses aboard the Dublin to Holyhead ferry observed him drinking a pint early in the morning and covering his face with a cap, trying to avoid recognition.
Despite these efforts, he was photographed multiple times wandering the decks, consuming alcohol, and attempting to blend in with other passengers, including unaware parents and children.
A parent living in the UK, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed outrage and frustration, stating, “There is nothing more I would liked to have done than to box him in the face.
I hate violence and I don’t fight.
But when it comes to my kids, it’s something completely different.” The parent recounted how he saw Ward outside a children’s cinema, holding a drink and peering inside for an extended period, which heightened his concern.
Ward, who is registered as a sex offender for life following his conviction for a horrific child rape, was observed on the ferry waiting for other passengers to disembark before quietly leaving the vessel.
He was seen texting and withdrawing money from an ATM before stepping ashore.
The parent added that he chose not to confront Ward directly but made sure to alert other parents nearby, warning them of his presence.
Authorities confirmed that Ward informed Gardaí of his intention to leave Ireland, prompting them to notify UK police.
It is believed he was heading to London to start anew, although his exact plans remain uncertain.
In recent weeks, Ward’s presence in Dublin has been marked by increased vigilance.
He was previously spotted lurking around primary schools in the north of Dublin, prompting Gardaí to assign patrols outside schools and issue warnings to local communities.
In October 2014, police expressed concern over Ward’s suspicious activities near schools, leading to patrols and formal warnings.
Despite this, he continued to be seen loitering in the city, often refusing to explain his intentions when approached by officers.
His behavior has caused alarm among parents and teachers, especially after he was observed peering into school windows and acting suspiciously near children engaged in Irish dancing.
Community leaders and local politicians have called for increased monitoring and protective measures.
Councillor Noel Rock emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “The man in question has a history of violent sexual crime against a child and it is absolutely vital Gardaí monitor him closely.
I am genuinely concerned about his behavior and the threat he poses, as will be any parent reading this.” He urged authorities to consider measures such as issuing anti-social behavior orders to prevent Ward from accessing schools and vulnerable areas.
Despite his efforts to remain hidden, Ward’s presence continues to be a source of concern for Dublin residents, especially given his criminal background and the vigilante hostility he faces.
The authorities remain committed to balancing public safety with legal restrictions, ensuring that Ward is kept under strict supervision to prevent any further harm or retribution.
