EDWARD O’KANE'S RETURN TO DERRY SPARKS OUTRAGE AND FEARS OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT

In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through the community, Edward Joseph O’Kane, a convicted child sex offender, has been seen back in Derry, raising serious concerns among local residents and parents alike. O’Kane, who is 67 years old and originally from Bigwood Road, Ardmore, in the Waterside area of Derry, has a long and dark history of sexual offenses against young girls. His presence in the city has ignited fears that he may pose a continued threat to children, especially after recent sightings of him attending an under-age boxing tournament.

O’Kane’s criminal past is well-documented. He was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl, a crime that led to his imprisonment. During his trial, the victim, who was only a child at the time, bravely testified in court, tearfully recounting the horrific acts committed against her. She described how O’Kane’s offenses included acts of gross indecency, which left her emotionally scarred. Her testimony was crucial in securing his conviction, and she was compelled to give evidence after reporting the abuse to police in 2006.

Following his conviction in 2008, O’Kane was sentenced to eight years in prison. It was also revealed that he had attacked a second girl, with the assaults taking place in the Ardmore area between 1969 and 1975. Despite his imprisonment, recent reports indicate that O’Kane has been seen living in the Lettershandoney area in recent weeks. Moreover, he has been spotted multiple times in various parts of Derry city centre, as well as in Tamnaherin and Waterside neighborhoods.

The community’s outrage has been compounded by his recent appearance at an underage boxing event. Several parents expressed their alarm and anger over his presence at such gatherings. One parent from Lettershandoney voiced her frustration, saying, “He’s walking about here smiling at everyone as if he owns the place. He must think people are stupid or have forgotten what he did to the girls in Ardmore. O’Kane shouldn’t be near children.”

Another mother, speaking to Derry Daily, emphasized the importance of community awareness and vigilance. “People need to know about this man. Parents need to be warned. He should be on the sex offenders register, and we believe he is. If that’s the case, then the PSNI need to lift him because he has been seen in the company of young children in recent weeks,” she stated.

O’Kane’s criminal history is extensive. In February 2008, he stood trial at Derry Crown Court accused of raping a schoolgirl and other related charges. During the trial, the victim, who was just twelve years old at the time, broke down in tears as she recounted her ordeal. She described how the abuse occurred almost nightly over a period of time, starting when she was around seven or eight years old. She told the court that she was crying throughout the act of intercourse and that the defendant had called her into his bedroom after school, where he assaulted her.

The prosecution presented evidence that O’Kane had denied all allegations, describing the accusations as lies. He was arrested in December 2006, and during police interviews, he continued to deny any wrongdoing. The victim’s testimony, delivered via a television link to the courtroom, detailed how O’Kane raped her and forced her to perform a sex act, threatening her to keep silent about the abuse.

The community remains deeply concerned about the potential risk posed by O’Kane, especially given his recent sightings and the fact that he has a history of preying on young girls. Authorities and community leaders are under pressure to ensure that he remains monitored and that the public is adequately informed to protect children from possible harm.