JAMES WHITE FROM BELFAST AND CROSSMAGLEN BACK IN JAIL AFTER BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDERS

In a recent development in the ongoing saga of James White, a notorious sex offender with a long and troubling history, he has been returned to custody following violations of his legal restrictions and a series of concerning incidents. The 48-year-old, whose primary residence was listed as Antrim Road in Belfast, appeared before Belfast Crown Court to face charges related to breaches of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

White admitted to two specific breaches of this order, which was designed to monitor and restrict his activities due to his past offenses. The court heard that in October of the previous year, White was found to be in possession of both a Samsung mobile phone and a Samsung tablet without the prior approval of a designated risk manager, a requirement under his SOPO. These devices were seized during a police search of his hostel accommodation, and subsequent analysis revealed that he had used them to contact a woman and browse the internet for topics such as dogs and houses. Importantly, there was no evidence to suggest that these devices were used for any criminal activity, but the breach of the order itself was enough to warrant serious consequences.

Further complicating his case, White was found to have left his approved hostel accommodation without permission in February of this year, which led to his being at large for a period. During this time, he traveled through the south of Ireland and eventually made his way to the north. In April, White was found in south Armagh in the company of another sex offender, an incident that was publicly shared on social media and contributed to concerns about his whereabouts and activities.

White’s criminal record is extensive, with a total of 47 previous convictions across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. His offenses include sexual crimes against males, females, and children, with his last known sexual offense involving a child dating back to 1994. Despite multiple restrictions, including a SOPO issued by Dungannon Crown Court in March of the previous year, White continued to breach the conditions set for him.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Geoffrey Miller QC emphasized that White had deliberately disengaged from the probation process after his release from custody last year. The judge noted that White’s decision to ignore the terms of his license and the assistance offered by probation services demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and public safety. The judge handed down a two-year sentence, with the first year to be served in prison and the following year on license, during which White will be subject to strict monitoring and participation in risk reduction programs.

In his remarks, Judge Miller also condemned vigilante actions, stating that it is not for members of the public or so-called paedophile hunters to take the law into their own hands. He made it clear that White’s release would not be imminent, with eligibility for parole not expected until September of the following year. The court’s decision underscores the ongoing concern about White’s dangerousness and the importance of continued supervision to prevent further offenses.

Earlier in July 2018, White appeared in Belfast Crown Court to face charges of breaching another SOPO by accessing the internet without approval. He pleaded guilty to two counts of this offense, which occurred between September and October of the previous year. At that time, White was remanded into custody, and his whereabouts had been largely unknown for nearly a year after he left an approved address without permission.

White’s criminal history is extensive and deeply troubling. In 1998, he was convicted of two counts of buggery and five sexual assaults on underage boys, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. Additional allegations surfaced in 2005, when a youth accused him of indecent assault at around nine years old. Despite these serious allegations, White continued to evade complete legal accountability for many years.

In August 2016, White, originally from Crossmaglen but residing at North Street in Stewartstown, was charged with making contact with a 14-year-old boy in Ballygawley, in violation of a SOPO. This order, issued in October 1998 following his earlier convictions, was meant to restrict his movements and contact with minors. White was also accused of living at addresses without the required approval, possessing a mobile phone with internet access, and failing to notify authorities of his whereabouts. He faced multiple charges for breaching the order, including living at two addresses without permission and having contact with minors.

Following a brief hearing, White was remanded into custody once again. His history of child sex offenses spans decades, with a notable conviction in 1998 for sexual attacks on a teenage boy in Co Meath, Ireland. Despite the severity of his past crimes, White’s pattern of breaching legal restrictions has persisted, prompting ongoing concern from law enforcement and the public alike. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 17, when he will face further proceedings related to breaches of the SOPO.