JAMES CARRAGHER PORTADOWN SEX OFFENDER BUSTED IN BANBRIDGE AND ANTRIM COURT CASES

In a series of disturbing incidents linked to a known sex offender from Portadown, James Carragher has faced multiple charges related to his inappropriate and illegal conduct involving minors and violations of court orders. The gravity of his actions has prompted serious legal proceedings, highlighting the ongoing concerns about his behavior and the potential risk he poses to the community.

In February 2014, Carragher admitted to breaching a sexual offences prevention order, which specifically prohibited him from possessing a mobile phone. The breach involved him having a mobile device, despite the court's explicit restrictions. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to seven other charges that detailed his persistent and improper use of communication systems to send messages that were grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing. These messages were sent on various dates spanning from December 1, 2012, to March 4 of the previous year, causing unnecessary anxiety and inconvenience to others.

The court heard that Carragher, residing on Plantation Road in Portadown, was aware of the restrictions but continued to use a mobile phone, which led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. His solicitor informed the Antrim Magistrates Court that Carragher intended to plead guilty to all charges. District Judge Alan White decided to adjourn sentencing until probation reports could be prepared, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. Carragher was released on continuing bail and is scheduled for sentencing on March 18.

Earlier, in September 2013, Carragher's disturbing behavior was further detailed during a court hearing in Banbridge. It was revealed that he had obtained the mobile number of a 14-year-old schoolgirl and subjected her to a barrage of inappropriate phone calls. During these calls, Carragher asked the girl whether she was wearing her school uniform and inquired about what she was wearing underneath it. The court was told that Carragher, then 24 years old and residing on Plantation Road, Portadown, pleaded guilty to charges including intentionally inciting a female under 16 to engage in sexual activity, harassment, sending false messages, and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

He was sentenced to seven months in prison by Deputy District Judge Ms. Benita Boyd. The prosecution outlined that the police had received a complaint on January 3, 2012, from a 14-year-old girl who had been receiving nuisance calls from a withheld number since December 30. The calls were of a sexual nature, with Carragher asking the girl about her clothing and making explicit comments. He also asked her to meet at various locations in Banbridge for sexual activity, which caused significant trauma to the young victim. The girl reported feeling scared and unable to sleep, often sleeping with her sister for safety.

Investigations revealed that Carragher was using an unregistered pay-as-you-go mobile phone, which he had purchased with the help of linked credit cards. During a police search at an address in Gilford, officers found a Barclaycard bank statement matching the mobile phone top-up transactions. However, no mobile device was recovered during the search. Carragher initially denied the allegations but later admitted to using the phone to speak with his father, claiming he had used the device for communication purposes.

Throughout the proceedings, Carragher’s legal representatives highlighted that he had spent over six months in custody and was actively engaging in educational, work, and counseling programs to address his behavior. Despite this, the court recognized the high risk of re-offending and the potential danger to the public. Consequently, Deputy District Judge Ms. Boyd imposed a sentence of seven months in prison, bringing two previously suspended sentences into effect, reflecting the serious and sexual nature of the charges against him.

These cases underscore the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat sexual offenses and protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior, especially involving repeat offenders like James Carragher from Portadown.