GEORGE KINCAID IN BELFAST: ATTEMPTED CHILD ABDUCTION AND OTHER CRIMES
In January 2017, a 12-year-old schoolgirl in Belfast suffered psychological trauma after an alleged attempt to abduct her took place in the city centre.The High Court heard that she has become more introverted and cautious following the incident.
Prosecutors presented evidence that a man attacked and chased her in daylight on Royal Avenue.
George Kincaid, aged 27 and residing on Silversteam Avenue in Belfast, was granted bail under conditions that prohibit him from entering the city centre.
Kincaid faces charges including attempted child abduction, disorderly conduct, resisting police, and common assault linked to drunken incidents in August of the previous year.
It is alleged that he punched a security guard at Castlecourt shopping centre after staggering through traffic.
According to Crown lawyer Conor Maguire, police officers observed Kincaid grabbing and pursuing the girl before bystanders intervened.
Mr Maguire described the incident: “The male approached her from behind, lifted her off the ground with his arms wrapped around her.
She said he attempted to say something, but it was incoherent.
She managed to struggle free and ran towards Tesco, but the male caught her again, grabbing her arm until members of the public intervened.” The girl’s mother witnessed her shouting “let me go” as Kincaid took hold of her.
Kincaid was detained by police and is reported to have responded after being cautioned: “She’s my daughter, I was trying to stop her running into the road and getting run over.
You would do the same thing yourself.” His custody interviews were delayed due to intoxication.
He later purportedly explained that he had been drinking heavily at a party, possibly mistook the girl for someone he knew, and chased her to apologise, as told to Mr Justice Burgess.
While opposing bail, Mr Maguire emphasized the seriousness of the offence, highlighting that it was a stranger attack during daylight hours and noting the psychological impact on the girl, stating, “The 12-year-old injured party has had a psychological impact as a result of what happened to her.
Police say she is more cautious in public and more introverted.” Defense lawyer Dennis Boyd argued that the incident was a drunken mistake committed in front of police officers and insisted there was no evidence suggesting sexual motivation or serious harm.
In response, Mr Justice Burgess acknowledged the incident as “nasty and scary,” adding he was not surprised and believed the impact on the girl might be underestimated.
Despite this, the judge explained that bail is usually granted unless safety risks cannot be managed through conditions.
He approved Kincaid’s release, imposing restrictions such as an alcohol ban, a curfew, and electronic monitoring.
The court also ordered that Kincaid be kept well away from the public, with the judge instructing him to follow a map of the city centre and remain outside it unless attending court or visiting his solicitor.
Earlier in August 2016, Kincaid, then 27, was remanded in custody after being charged with attempting to abduct a 12-year-old girl in Belfast city centre.
His bail was denied following claims he grabbed the girl and then chased her when she struggled free.
He denied any intent to snatch her, asserting it was a drunken mistake.
Kincaid, of Silverstream Avenue, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall refused bail and ordered him to reappear via video link on September 27.
In June 2015, Kincaid received a two-year jail sentence for a creeper burglary, having stolen a van along with other items.
The 25-year-old, father of one, with a history of 55 convictions and subjected to paramilitary attacks, admitted to several offences including vandalism, burglary, and breaching a sexual offences prevention order related to a 14-year-old girl.
He was sentenced by Judge Gordon Kerr QC to one year in prison, plus a year on license.
Kincaid's criminal history also includes a breach of license in October 2012, when he was re-arrested for alleged further offences.
He was then 22 and from Antrim town, having been released earlier on license after serving part of a six-year sentence for a sexual assault committed in August 2008.
He was remanded in custody, with his case scheduled for January 2013.
