JAMES BURROWS FROM BELFAST JAILED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER IN LISBURN AND BELFAST
In a significant legal development, James Burrows, a 22-year-old man from Belfast, was sentenced to a 12-month prison term after admitting to two separate breaches of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) within a span of just three days.The breaches, which occurred in Lisburn and Belfast, have raised serious concerns about compliance with court-mandated restrictions designed to protect the community from potential harm.
Burrows' first violation took place on November 23 of the previous year, when he was seen in the company of a 15-year-old girl at a Weatherspoons pub in Lisburn.
Despite the clear stipulation in his SOPO that prohibited him from associating with females under the age of 16 without prior approval from his designated risk manager, Burrows was observed engaging with the young girl for over two hours.
When questioned by authorities about this breach, Burrows initially claimed he did not know the girl well and that their interaction was brief.
However, police presented CCTV footage that contradicted his statement, showing him in her company for an extended period.
Faced with this evidence, Burrows declined to provide an explanation and responded with 'no comment,' before later admitting to the breach.
Just two days later, on November 25, Burrows was found at the New Life City Church cafe in Belfast.
Although he was in the company of males during this visit, there were young females present in the cafe, which was also a violation of his court order.
The court heard that Burrows had not disclosed to his designated risk manager about a relationship with the 15-year-old girl, which reportedly began in August 2014.
The girl, when interviewed by police, confirmed her relationship with Burrows, and her mother also acknowledged awareness of it.
Despite the relationship, there was no evidence to suggest it was sexual in nature, according to the prosecution.
Mrs.
Kate McKay, the Crown prosecutor, emphasized that Burrows' breaches were particularly concerning given his history.
She pointed out that Burrows had previously served time in prison during his youth and was assessed by probation authorities as posing a significant risk of harm to others.
The court was also informed that Burrows had been subject to a SOPO since November 19 of the previous year, just a week before the breaches occurred.
During sentencing, Judge Gordon Kerr QC acknowledged that the breaches were at the lower end of offending severity but stressed that any violation of a SOPO must be taken seriously.
He emphasized the importance of upholding court orders designed to safeguard the community.
Consequently, Burrows was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Additionally, upon his release, he will be subject to a two-year period of licence supervision, ensuring continued monitoring of his activities to prevent further breaches and protect potential victims.
