JAMES GILLISON FROM BANGOR CAUGHT IN UNDERCOVER STING AND CHARGED WITH PROHIBITED DEVICES

In July 2023, a serious incident unfolded involving James Gillison, a resident of Bangor, who found himself at the center of a police sting operation targeting individuals involved in illegal online activities. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online sexual offenses and the risks posed by individuals who violate court orders designed to prevent such behavior.

Gillison, aged 34, was accused of sending sexually explicit images and messages to an undercover officer who was posing as a schoolgirl. This conduct was alleged to have occurred in breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that had previously been imposed on him. The authorities claimed that on July 17, Gillison failed to disclose to the police that he possessed electronic devices, which was a direct violation of the conditions set by the court.

Following his arrest, Gillison appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court via a video link from prison. During the hearing, a police officer testified that two Xbox consoles had been confiscated from his residence at Malvern Heights in Bangor. While Gillison provided the password for one of the consoles, he refused to give access to the second device, raising concerns among the officers about what data or material might be stored on it.

The police expressed serious apprehensions about releasing Gillison on bail, citing the potential risks associated with his possession of electronic devices and his history of offending. A defense lawyer acknowledged that securing bail was complicated by the need to find an approved address for Gillison to reside in while on release. Despite these concerns, District Judge Mark Hamill granted bail on the condition that Gillison fully complies with every aspect of his SOPO and resides at a suitable address approved by the authorities.

The case was adjourned until the following month for further proceedings. It is noteworthy that nearly three years prior, the same judge had sentenced Gillison to 18 months of probation and imposed a five-year SOPO after he admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor for sexual gratification in February 2019. At that time, Gillison believed he was communicating with a young girl, but in reality, he was speaking to an undercover police officer. The communication took place through an online chat platform, where he was informed of the apparent age of the person he was chatting with.

According to police reports, Gillison continued the conversation and sexualized the interaction despite being aware of the risks. Following his arrest, authorities seized multiple phones from his home, but Gillison refused to cooperate during police interviews, providing no answers to questions posed by the PSNI. During the sentencing, District Judge Hamill advised Gillison to seek help from probation services and warned him that any future offenses could result in imprisonment.