DESMOND MCKINLEY/PIERRE SHIELDS' SHOCKING CRIMES IN BELFAST, LOUGHBOROUGH, AND RIPLEY

In a disturbing case that spans multiple locations including Belfast, Loughborough, and Ripley, Desmond McKinley, also known as Patrick Shields, has been linked to a series of heinous child sex offences. His criminal history and recent activities have raised serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the sex offender registry system.

Back in February 2014, McKinley, who had previously been convicted of child abuse, was once again brought into the spotlight when he was sentenced to four years in prison at Derby Crown Court. The court heard that he was guilty of seven separate offences committed against a 13-year-old boy from Chesterfield. Among these offences was an attempt to incite the young victim to engage in oral sex, a deeply troubling act that underscores the severity of his crimes.

It was revealed during the trial that McKinley had to be extradited from Germany to face justice in the United Kingdom. He had been in custody since July 2012, following his arrest and subsequent extradition. His criminal past dates back to 1997 when he was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Belfast Crown Court after being found guilty of abusing a boy under the age of 16. Despite his initial imprisonment, McKinley managed to evade detection for some time, partly by changing his name and address without informing the authorities, thus breaching the terms of his registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

In 2011, McKinley's name resurfaced in the public eye when he was involved in a business venture proposing a £45 million railway link between Ripley and Derby. He was the head of a company that discussed plans to develop this rail project, which attracted significant local attention. However, his involvement was short-lived, as colleagues discovered his criminal background, leading to his removal from the company. The project itself was met with widespread opposition from local residents and council members, with Ripley Town Council leader Steve Freeborn describing the scheme as “crazy, impractical, expensive and unwanted.” During a public council meeting, over 100 residents voiced their disapproval, emphasizing the community’s resistance to the proposed rail link.

Legal restrictions imposed on McKinley include a ban on being alone with any boy under 16 and a prohibition on using the internet to contact minors of that age. The court also ordered him to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register and warned that he poses a high risk of causing sexual, physical, and psychological harm to male children. His sentence includes a two-thirds parole eligibility rule, and he will be on license for four years following his release.

During the court proceedings, Alastair Munt, representing McKinley, highlighted his client’s health issues, including fears of impending blindness, and his desire to reunite with his mother in Ireland, who is in poor health. Munt also noted that McKinley has been employed in business since the age of 16, managing contracts involving large teams, and considers himself a “foreign national” seeking deportation to Ireland.

Further complicating his case, McKinley’s criminal activities and attempts to conceal his identity have been extensively documented. In 2011, it was revealed that he had changed his name from Patrick Shields to Desmond McKinley by deed poll, moving from Belfast to Loughborough in an effort to hide his past. Despite this, he continued to violate the law by failing to declare his new identity to authorities, which led to a minor fine in Belfast.

His social media profiles depict him as engaged and claiming origins from Dubai, a claim that appears inconsistent with his criminal record and known background. His company has provided health and safety advice to the government and is involved in infrastructure projects such as flood defense schemes in Nottingham.

In response to his latest conviction, community leaders and residents have expressed outrage and concern. The case underscores ongoing issues related to the monitoring and management of convicted sex offenders, especially those who attempt to evade detection through identity changes and relocation. McKinley's case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust legal measures to protect vulnerable children from predators like him.